KOTA MARUDU – A data collection programme will be implemented to correct the perception that Sabah is one of Malaysia’s poorest states.
The programme, to be conducted by the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs), is aimed at acquiring accurate feedback for the national database on poverty.
“A group will first go to Kg Gana to gather data, and any information they get will be used to provide input to the government,” said its minister, Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili at the Sabah Poverty Data Verification Programme here last night.
Ongkili said Kota Marudu was picked as the starting point for the data collection efforts after it was named one of the poorest districts in the state.
Recent Statistics Department data showed Sabah recorded the highest poverty rate at 19.5% involving 99,869 households, according to the 2019 Poverty Line Income (PGK) methodology.
Five other Sabah districts – Tongod (53.6%), Kota Marudu (46.1%), Beluran (45%) and Telupid (40.7%) – were named the poorest.
“It is not true. Kota Marudu is not the poorest district in Sabah. There have been a lot of developments over the decades here and people do feel the progress,” said Ongkili, adding that the local economy in the district’s lowland areas is strong.
“The district has more than 20,000ha of oil palm plantations, is the second-largest padi-growing district in Sabah and home to some 10,000ha of rubber plantations.
“The local economy is stronger than other districts,” said Ongkili, who is also Kota Marudu MP.
However, he said 10km from Kota Marudu town, the poor are mostly subsistence agriculturists, such as those in Pitas, Beluran, Kinabatangan, Kudat, Pensiangan and Keningau.
“Basic infrastructure and modern technology are needed as well as productive employment for rural youth.”
The three-day programme in Kota Marudu also hopes to educate and guide local community leaders on how to disseminate information on government aid. – The Vibes, April 5, 2021
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