KOTA KINABALU: A key focus under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) will be implementing infrastructure projects that stimulate economic activities, particularly in the country's 10 poorest districts.
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said that his ministry had outlined specific strategies to lift communities in these areas out of hardcore poverty.
"We want to ensure that income-generating economic activities are established in these areas. If we continue removing families from extreme poverty without creating sustainable income opportunities, our efforts will not be effective," he said.
He said that eight of the poorest districts were located in Sabah and that a new framework would prioritise district-level initiatives designed to generate income.
"Previously, most government policies were macro in nature, without distinguishing between these poorest districts and others," he said during a press conference after the Federal-level Sabah Engagement Session for RMK-13 with the Economy Ministry today.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, and Minister of Community Development and People's Well-being Datuk James Ratib.
Rafizi said that his ministry was working on targeted initiatives to help communities escape hardcore poverty, beyond the assistance provided by government agencies.
"We have specific strategies to directly intervene in these 10 poorest districts, ensuring that families no longer rely solely on monthly cash aid, but can break free from poverty," he said