PAPAR: The State Government continues to take an aggressive approach to address the issue of extreme poverty in Sabah, said Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said the government through the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Secretariat, the heads of household (KIR) or members of the households of the extreme poor are offered jobs in government agencies and private companies.
This step which he described as a process of migration, successfully reduced the rate of extreme poverty in Sabah from 22,510 KIR to only 5,379.
“The State government is determined to remove them from the poverty line.
“We will continue to highlight the extreme poverty issue in Sabah, In Shallah (God willing),” he said at the State Level Ma’al Hijrah Celebration at the Papar Community Hall, Sunday.
Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin graced the ceremony.
Hajiji said the theme of this year’s celebration “Al-Falah Pemacu Madani Malaysia” invites Muslims to continue working and strive towards achieving success and well-being in life.
Hajiji said the arrival of the new year of Hijrah accompanied by the Maal Hijrah celebration is expected to fuel the fighting spirit and polish the ideals in the souls of all Muslims.
“Not only in pursuing dreams and hopes, but as a member of the community, they are also in carrying trust and responsible especially those working in public service where they are the driving force and implementor of development programmes in the state and country,” he said.
He said the historical story of the Prophet’s Hijrah should be a lesson and a source of inspiration to be embraced and followed by Muslims in their lives.
“Therefore, in facing today’s challenging world, we as a community, should be stronger and braver to face whatever situation comes our way.”
He said the young generation who will inherit the leadership of the state and country, must continue to do their best as citizens who uphold the demands of religion, nation and country.
“Put aside the differences, instead celebrate the similarities that we have shared together all this time.
Cultivate the spirit of belonging, strengthen and foster ties among the Ummah, and together we strive as many of us work, for the sake of achieving the mission and vision of Madani Malaysia as well as SMJ’s direction towards a prosperous and prosperous state of Sabah,” he said.
