PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim aims to help eradicate hardcore poverty in Sabah by July, Bernama reports.

He said the number of hardcore poor households in Sabah had dropped to just 9,000 from 20,000.

Sabah has more hardcore poverty than other states, he said, adding that the federal and state governments must work together to solve the problem.

“We want to eradicate hardcore poverty in Sabah by the end of July 2024. This is our top priority. We can talk about other issues, but if our children do not have enough to eat, the onus is on us to do something,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Kaamatan Festival in Penampang today.

In his speech, Anwar said the federal government is also paying attention to the problem of the state’s dilapidated schools and water and power supply.

Anwar said the federal and the state government must maintain their close relationship.

“Through discussions, we could modify existing plans and pay attention to the new proposals,” he said.

Anwar said Sabah and Sarawak will continue to receive fuel subsidies because of the widespread use of diesel in the two states.

He said the exemption was granted to meet the needs of the people.

The prime minister said the recent electricity tariff adjustment had saved the government RM4.5 billion, while the introduction of a targeted diesel subsidy is expected to save RM4 billion a year.

“We have given RM8 billion in charity or subsidies to the rich and foreigners. Now when we stop, we save.

“I have to say this because some parties may turn it into a political issue. The targeted subsidy is a measure taken to benefit the people.” – May 31, 2024.