Ewon: Poverty eradication programs may be reviewed
KOTA KINABALU: There may be a review of the poverty eradication programs implemented by the state government, said Rural Development Minister Ewon Benedick.
“I will be visiting districts in the state to gauge the performance and effectiveness of the programs that were implemented, especially the Program Mini Estate Sejahtera (Mesej) for oil palm, rubber and aquaculture,” he said.
Ewon will start the working visit to Kota Marudu and Pitas districts this weekend.
Speaking to reporters at the ministry’s Hari Raya open house here yesterday, he said there is a need to find out if the programs had helped to improve the living standard of folks in the rural areas.
“That is why I will be visiting the districts, in order to see for myself the progress of the programs … whether they were effective or vice versa,” he said adding that he will also be looking at improving the Mesej, especially in rural tourism.
On the rebranding of the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) and the Urban Community Committee (JKDB) in the state, Ewon said this would include a name change, allowance revision, number of committee members as well as rules and regulations of electing the office bearers.
Ewon said that the new name does not necessary need to follow what is being used in Peninsular Malaysia because there is a need for Sabah to have its own identity, thus, reflecting that the state has its own administration system.
The rebranding will also include the institution’s functions which will be strengthened to be better and improved compared to the JKKK structure previously.
“Election of the JKKK will also change because democracy should begin from the grassroots. I agree that the JKKK should be elected but at the same time we need to look into who will be eligible to vote.
“I hope to present this matter to the state cabinet this month,” he said.
During the event, Ewon handed over donation to 30 students of the Maad Tahfiz Nahdatul Ilmiah Taman Sempelang Sembulan.