KUCHING, July 25: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth Wing says the data showing 97,000 households in Sarawak living in poverty is a far cry from the real situation on the ground.
Today, PBB Youth referred to the recent statement made by Minister of Special Functions in the Prime Minister’s Office, Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad, on the eKasih database, which shows about 97,000 households in Sarawak living in poverty.
“We believe there could be a discrepancy in the data as it doesn’t reflect the real situation in Sarawak.
“Firstly, the areas that were shown to have the highest poverty rates were Kuching, Serian, and Simunjan.
“We beg to differ as there are certainly more rural areas that would fall under the category, but just because these areas might not have the internet reach or capabilities, households that fall under the poverty line cannot be registered or put into the system,” said PBB Youth.
It was pointed out that Serian and Simunjan could be considered semi-urban and Kuching as urban, being the capital city of the State.
“We hope this eKasih registration will be made easier or the respective agencies should do their work and go on the ground to measure the real situation.”
The PBB Youth granted their support to Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Deputy Minister Martin Ben who is also Kedup assemblyman that “the data should be updated and verified”.
The youth body also pointed out that, with the data at hand, the Federal government should take action into reducing the poverty rate as it is their responsibility.
“They can’t just mention mere numbers without taking affirmative measures to tackle the matter.
“More funds should be given to the State to alleviate these households from their current status,” said PBB Youth. — DayakDaily
