Kota Kinabalu: Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick said his Ministry plans to implement the Ehsan@kuskop Project to help tackle Sabah’s poverty problem, starting with three priority districts.
“The proposal for the Ehsan@Kuskop Project was presented in the Ministry’s post-cabinet meeting last Wednesday, suggesting that entrepreneurship, cooperatives, and education movements be integrated to eradicate poverty or address the issue in Sabah.
“Instead of pointing fingers, it’s better to be part of the solution,” he said at the Kuskop breaking fast ceremony with the media.
His Ministry would mobilise agencies, foundations and universities to form synergies under the Ehsan@KUSKOP Project to help deal with the issue in Sabah.
The pilot project would be started in Kudat, Kota Marudu, and Kota Belud which have a high incidence of poverty.
“One of the targets is to produce at least one family member listed in e-Kasih or who belongs to the B40 category to become an entrepreneur or small trader.
“We have agencies such as Insken and Ikma that will guide in the entrepreneurship aspect. We also have financing agencies such as Tekun, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, SME Corp and Bank Rakyat that can channel micro-financing to them.
“Meanwhile, to help the education of the children of this family, we have Bank Rakyat Foundation and the University of Entrepreneurship and Cooperatives of Malaysia that will play a role.
“This implementation will be supported through cooperatives and the Cooperative Commission will have control over the project,” he said.
“I invite my fellow leaders in Sabah, if they want to talk about poverty, let’s make ourselves part of the solution. We embrace strength together to solve this problem,” he said.
Ewon also said the cooperation of the media in delivering information to the people and the community is greatly appreciated.
“Without the media, surely the delivery of information and news reports will be limited, and it is right for all parties to appreciate the role and contribution of our media friends today, both print media, electronic media, and new media.
