The Ministry of Rural Development (KPLB) has the best alternative to provide housing for the poor in the State through the creation of a programme called Sabah Home Wellbeing Programme.

Rural Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the proactive move is to meet the increasing demand for the Housing Project for the Poorest (PPRT) in the State.

“It is an initiative of the KPLB to help the people in need of housing because the PPRT cannot fully meet the demand, so it is a good move help Sabahans get a home,” he said.

He said the allocation for his Ministry amounted to RM4.5 million for small projects since the Government could not meet the needs of the people in all districts. 

Ewon also thanked the Government for increasing the allocation to RM7.4 million, which was a large provision.

“In the Ministry, many programmes including poverty eradication, public utilities and community development training have to be implemented and require a large allocation,” he said.

He was speaking during the opening and closing of a Village Community Development Council (MPKK) management and administration course for the Nabawan area, here, Tuesday.

“This year alone, 75 homes under the Program Rumah Sejahtera Sabah been built around the area or district,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the role of the MPKK, he said it was difficult to appoint the MPKK as a whole because it was a choice of the people.

“The MPKK’s appointment has been in effect since January but the delay in the completion of the election and the MPKK’s appointment will end in December 2020, but the role of the leaders is very important to the community.

“Use this gathering to reach a consensus on development for the sake of progress and not for mere political beliefs,” he urged. 

He said many of the facilities provided by the Government for the benefit of the people with the cooperation of the village leaders can be used, including the RM10,000 grant for their people.

He also warned that the MPKK should not overshadow politics but play a role in bringing development to the people in cooperation with the elected representatives as the foundation for progress is unity by forgetting the differences between political parties.

“Many leaks can be prevented if leaders step on the field, so the role of the MPKK in working with elected representatives need to be emphasised,” he said.

“We need to encourage leaders to create entrepreneurial opportunities so that the community can improve the family economy through the implementation of new programmes as the Government continues to focus on the development of electricity and clean water facilities especially next year.”

He also said outstanding MPKK allowances will be paid in the near future.

He suggested that the payment of the allowance for next year be made using an online payment system directly to the MPKK instead of through the District Office.

Ewon also hoped the MPKK will bring back the lessons learned from the course. 

Associations and NGOs need to work together to develop the people’s economy and clean water supply, he also said during the course attended by 133 participants from Nabawan.

Earlier, Nabawan District Officer Virus Malitam said the course could provide guidance on leadership.

“Make this course an opportunity to enhance leadership and inject a sense of urgency into the development of each village,” he said.

Also present were Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Rural Affairs Fredian Gan En Siong, Warisan’s Pensiangan division chairman Ahuar Rasam and Community Development Leader Ampulas Kaluhu.