SABAH BUDGET 2025: RM300 MONTHLY AID FOR THE POOR TO TACKLE RISING LIVING COSTS

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- The Sabah Government has announced a monthly assistance of RM300 for one year to support the poor and hardcore poor under the state’s Budget 2025. 

Presenting the budget at the State Legislative Assembly today, Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said that this first-time initiative would be funded by an allocation of RM358.5 million.

He said eligible recipients have been identified through the ‘Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat’ programme with the assistance designed to ease the financial pressures caused by rising living costs.

“This initiative aims to provide immediate relief to those facing financial strain, allowing them time to adjust and explore other opportunities to increase their income,” he said.

Masidi said the initiative is part of the Sabah government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the poor and hardcore poor are not left behind in terms of development and economic progress, adding that to further this goal, RM488.5 million has been earmarked for various poverty reduction programmes.

He also said that RM250 million will be allocated for the construction of 3,000 units of Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) affordable homes across all 73 state constituencies, marking a significant 100 per cent increase from last year’s budget.

“As of last month, 4,482 SMJ homes have already been completed, giving the poor and hardcore poor an opportunity to own their own homes and create a stable living environment for their families,” he added.

Also, for the first time, small roadside stall operators with valid business licenses will receive a one-time RM5,000 payment to support their businesses.

Masidi said RM214 million will be allocated to fund small-scale development projects and infrastructure improvements across Sabah, including public facilities maintenance.

A further RM19.5 million has been allocated for a range of initiatives, including rural electricity and water supply programmes, as well as economic development activities to support local communities.

“The Sabah Maju Jaya development plan, which focuses on human capital and people's welfare, places poverty eradication at the forefront of efforts to improve the quality of life for the people of Sabah,” Masidi said. 

-- BERNAMA