SANDAKAN: The creation of downstream industries is necessary to overcome poverty in Sabah, said Parti Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
“There needs to be measures to ensure these poor people are not just expecting help,” he said during a break-of-fast event, at Wasatiyyah Mosque, Batu Sapi.
“We need to ensure they get job opportunities, whether creating downstream industry projects, for example, in the fields of palm oil, furniture, or even gas and oil.
“If we can create a downstream industry, I believe we can not only overcome poverty, but they will have job opportunities and skills.”
In addition, Shafie said this group would also have much better purchasing power than just receiving cash donations once a year.
“If there is a fixed monthly income, they can be people who do not expect help yearly,” he said.
He said Sabah has many sources of raw materials, such as wood, which can be used as furniture to be marketed abroad.
“Creating jobs for the people is crucial so that they have a steady income and reduce the migration of young people abroad.
“In addition to exploring the downstream industry, we should also examine the products produced through this downstream industry to be able to develop into products that can be marketed globally,” he said.
