RM78.74 mln for women’s development

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will be allocating RM78.74 million for the development of women in Sabah through various programmes and activities.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Shafie Apdal said the programmes included providing microcredit facilities for business purposes by Yayasan Usaha Maju; Entrepreneurship Development Programme for single mothers and women living in poverty; Gender and Equality Development Programme; Legal Aid Centre for women as well as the Women of Substance Programme under the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department (JHEWA).

Similarly, youths between 15 and 40 years old are also the focus in the 2019 Sabah budget.

Shafie said in line with the related policy goals and the Sabah Youth Development Strategic Plan, 2016-2030, the Sabah government would emphasize the development of human capital among youths and efforts to feature their potential and strength.

“It is hoped that these will invigorate youth effectively and more dynamically with the Self Development Domains (Domain Pembangunan Kendiri) that encompass personality excellence, spiritual excellence, soft skills as well as entrepreneurial skills and expertise,” he said.

He added that the Youth and Sports Minister would be allocated RM103.09 million to manage and implement youth development programmes including sports in Sabah.

In line with the manifesto, the Sabah government also allocates RM24.45 million for special fund and loan for entrepreneurial development including for the youths.

The government is confident that this provision will also help to encourage the activities of Small and Medium Enterprises in Sabah, said Shafie.