KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive development by focusing on poverty reduction and bridging the rural-urban divide.
Speaking at the opening of the 17th State Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Head of State Tun Musa Aman detailed the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 framework, which targets hardcore poverty through five critical pillars: housing, education, employment, welfare, and entrepreneurship.
To stimulate regional growth, the state will develop four new townships in Penangah, Melalap, Ulu Dusun, and Beluran, ensuring that economic opportunities are distributed more equitably across the state.
A significant portion of the policy address was dedicated to social well-being and community support.
Tun Musa announced the expansion of the Sabah Autism Centre (Paus) to four additional districts and the introduction of Merpati Day Care Centres for senior citizens.
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Furthermore, the government is prioritizing women’s financial independence through initiatives like Jhewa BizBloom and nurturing future leaders via the Rakan Belia SMJ program.
The state also plans to establish a dedicated financial institution for young entrepreneurs and a Sports Welfare Fund to support its athletic community, ensuring a comprehensive safety net for all segments of society.
