KOTA KINABALU: The northern districts of Kudat, Kota Marudu, and Kota Belud in Sabah have been selected as pilot areas for the Ehsan Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi (KUSKOP) Programme aimed at addressing poverty issues in the state, Sabah Media reported.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said that the programme would focus on entrepreneurship, cooperatives, and education as key components in the fight against poverty.
The Ehsan KUSKOP Program, proposed to integrate entrepreneurial movements, cooperatives, and education, seeks to provide sustainable solutions to poverty alleviation in Sabah.
"As part of the Cabinet from Sabah, I feel compelled to address this issue. My ministry must also offer solutions.
"Therefore, we plan to synchronise agencies, organisations, or foundations under my portfolio in synergy under the Ehsan KUSKOP Programme, starting with the districts of Kudat, Kota Marudu, and Kota Belud," Ewon said during an Iftar gathering with KUSKOP agencies in Penampang and Kota Kinabalu.
The initiative aims to develop at least one member of each family into a small entrepreneur, including vendors and small traders. The programme is expected to commence in the second half of the year, with the three mentioned districts serving as the initial implementation areas.
Ewon also called upon leaders in Sabah to join forces in addressing the state's poverty challenges.
"I invite fellow leaders in Sabah to be part of the solution to poverty. Instead of pointing fingers, let's harness our collective strength to resolve this issue," he said.