KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government targets to eradicate between 70% and 80% of hardcore poor families within this year, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

       The Chief Minister said based on statistics, Sabah has over 22,000 hardcore poor households and various initiatives were being done to address this issue.

       “Among these efforts is the Ending Hardcore Poor in Sabah programme, and we are confident to reach our target in reducing the number of hardcore poor families in the state,” he said in a statement Thursday (Jan 25).

       He said this can be achieved even more with the collaboration of state and federal agencies, government-linked-companies and private sectors.

       “We might be able to bring the number down according to our target period this year, or latest by early next year,” said Hajiji.

       He said this after handing over letters of participation to agencies involved in providing assistance for the End Hardcore Poor in Sabah Programme in Tuaran near here.

       He said the form of assistance that would be given to recipients include job search, education, welfare, housing and entrepreneurship opportunities.

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       “We will give priority to children from these families and they can be employed in government departments and agencies, GLCs and in newly established factories in Sabah,” said Hajiji.

       He said it will be a requirement for investors and these agencies to hire those from hardcore poor families and those listed under the eKasih (poverty list).