Rep: Kanowit hopeful of eradicating poverty by 2027

KANOWIT (March 17): Efforts are being undertaken to realise the poverty-eradication target for Kanowit District by next year.

In stating this, Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana said following significant progress in a number of undertakings, there were no households remaining in the hardcore poor category.

“There are currently 1,292 households in Kanowit still classified under the poor category, and I hope that the number would be reduced to zero.

“That said, we no longer have households in the hardcore poor category in Kanowit.

“Our hope is that next year there would be no more households categorised as poor so that our district can be on par with others that have progressed further,” he said during the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance Scheme (SKAS) launch for the Machan and Ngemah constituencies, at the Kanowit Community Hall here.

Anyi added that eradicating poverty must require a collective effort involving elected representatives, the district officer as well as community and village heads (KMKK).

“This is a challenge for all of us, the elected representatives, the district officer as well as KMKK to ensure poverty is eradicated in our district.

“I hope all parties will plan accordingly in their respective areas to prevent residents from falling into the poor category,” he said.

He stressed that education remains one of the key pathways out of poverty, while also calling on the community to avoid negative habits that could hinder progress.

“We must adapt the ‘anang rindang’ (dilly-dally) mentality, as it will only bring us into an undesirable category,” he added, noting that community leaders should also play a role in advising those engaging in unhealthy behaviours.

Meanwhile, Machan assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong reminded recipients of SKAS to make good use of the assistance provided.

“Although RM950 for the household category may seem small to urban recipients, it is a significant amount for those in rural areas.

“Use it wisely and avoid spending on unnecessary items,” he said.

Earlier, Kanowit District officer Cerisologo Sabut revealed that 34 eligible recipients had yet to receive their SKAS aid as they had not registered with the SPay Global e-wallet platform.

He said the matter had been raised with the relevant authorities and the recipients might receive the assistance through a lump sum payment.

Cerisologo also shared the plan to hold the Kanowit Cultural Festival, aimed at promoting local culture, boosting tourism and fostering unity among the community.

“I hope the programme will receive strong support from all parties to ensure the success of the inaugural festival,” he said.