Better life for mesej participants
Published on: Thursday, October 20, 2016
NABAWAN: For 44-year-old Sami Sapitai, life in Mesej Labang Sapulut is an upgrade compared to his family's life before being chosen to participate in the programme."Before this, I only sold vegetables and only made, at most, RM20 a day. In here, we are offered jobs at the estate and paid a wage of RM920. "On top of that, we are given a house with good facilities including running water and electricity, a luxury we did not have in our old home," he said.
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The father of eight said he is very grateful to be given the opportunity, vowing that he will use this chance given to him as best he could for the sake of his children.He even said that he hoped his eldest child, an 18-year old daughter, will also be given job opportunity in the estate once there is an opening.For widow Anzilah @ Catherine Amihang, it was on her late husband's name that she and her six children were given the chance to change their lives through the Mesej programme.The 36-year-old said her previous trade of selling vegetables at Tamu was barely able to feed six hungry mouths and considered it a gift when she was told of her selection to participate in the Mesej Labang.
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"I have now an opportunity to give a better life for my children, even if it means I would be labouring away in the oil palm estate to do it," said the determined mother.The testimonies of these participants confirmed the noble intention of the State government when the programme was first mooted as part of the government's effort to eradicate poverty among the people especially in the rural areas.
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Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the government is always thinking of ways to help the people especially those who are registered under e-Kasih."Under Mesej, not only will these people be given jobs, they will also be given dividends, good housing equipped with modern facilities including proper roads," he said when launching the Mesej Labang Sapulut here, Tuesday.Musa said despite the high cost of opening Mesej which runs to millions of ringgit, it is the government's belief that the benefits of the project far outweigh its costs.In fact, he said, he would prefer building facilities for the people and providing them with more sustainable living than wasting the government's coffer on something else."If it means the money will benefit the people and acts as catalyst to the State's economic development, then money is not an object for this government," he said.Mesej Labang Sapulut has a total of 33 participants and is divided into two phases of development.Sabah has a total of 52 Mesej across the State, benefiting more than 2,500 hardcore poor.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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