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https://www-nst-com-my.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.nst.com.my/amp/news/nation/2020/09/625711/sabah-ranks-malaysias-poorest-state-again

NATION

Sabah ranks as Malaysia's poorest state, again

Avila Geraldine

By Avila Geraldine

September 19, 2020 @ 2:35pm

Sabah ranks as Malaysia's poorest state, again

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed speaking at a seminar on the Poverty Line Income 2019 (PGK2019) in Kota Kinabalu. NSTP/ASWADI ALIAS

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah recorded the highest poverty rate at 19.5 per cent, involving 99,869 households based on the 2019 Poverty Line Income (PGK) calculation methodology.

According to figure furnished by the national statistics department, the East Malaysian state was followed by Kelantan in the second spot with a poverty rate of 12.4 per cent involving 42,671 households, followed by Sarawak with a 9 per cent poverty rate involving 56,165 households.

Five districts in Sabah recorded the highest poverty, led by Tongod (56.6 per cent), Pitas (53.6 per cent), Kota Marudu (46.1 per cent), Beluran (45 per cent), and Telupid (40.7 per cent).

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the poverty rate figures would be used as a reference to improve policies under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12).

"The RMK-12 will start next year and will be tabled early next year. It will cover the first phase of the Shared Prosperity Vision (WKB) 2030 efforts to be used as a policy in implementing 10-year plan development.

"We take note of the high poverty rate in Tongod, Pitas, and Kota Marudu in our efforts to provide better services to the people. If we look at the (election) manifesto, I believe all parties highlight on reducing the poverty rate.

"For Perikatan Nasional (PN) government, this is an area we are giving attention to in RMK-12," he told reporters here today at a press conference after attending a seminar presentation on PGK2019 at the Sabah International Convention Centre here.

Also present was Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority chief executive Datuk Seri Hashihm Paijan.

Mustapa also noted incorrect database and overlapping work in the management of eradicating poverty were two main problems that need to be looked into when gathering poverty data.

"Based on E-Kasih statistic, we found the information is dynamic. There could be more (people falling into the poor category) especially during Covid-19 but not listed in the database.

"So we will improve the database because if we don't have the correct information it will be hard (for government) to assist those affected.

"Then there's overlapping issues between federal and state. There is too much involvement (from various quarters). Efforts to eradicate poverty must have coordination.

"Realising this, the central (government) has set up a cabinet committee chaired by the Prime Minister (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) to manage poverty," he said.

Mustapa, however, noted specific research to look into poverty incident throughout the Covid-19 pandemic has yet to be carried out.

He noted on the importance of good government-to-government relationship to further discuss issues faced by Sabah in the effort to ensure continuous prosperity for the state.

Mustapa said this when responding to a question on why Sabah, having rich oil resources, was still the poorest state.

"This is also among the reasons why federal is implementing the Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63) to protect the rights of Sabah as well as Sarawak. I believe with the special MA63 committee chaired by prime minister, the states will get more prosperity," he added.