SAMARAHAN: Kota Samarahan City Council (MPKS) and Univesriti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) are planning on the details of poverty study in the rural parts of Samarahan, starting early 2023.
Chairman of the council Datuk Peter Minos said that a number of villages had been picked as the focal points and as the bases for the study and survey.
“Findings of the matter will be given to all the MP and assemblyman of Samarahan for the reference and use in anti- poverty programmes in their respective area.
“MPKS will also use the study findings to help out in its anti-poverty exercises in Samarahan,” he said.
He then added that even though they have the knowledge on poverty, whether it is rural or urban, they also need the experts from faculty of economics and business of UNIMAS to do detailed analysis and further putting things in clear perspectives.
“Some of the questions to be asked from rural villagers include why poverty exists and lingers on despite government efforts, plans and programmes since 1963.
“What the factor would be, it is the lack of good education, facilities and utilities? Or lack of opportunities? Or is it the deep-rooted mindsets and attributes? Or even the environment,” he added.
He also shared that both MPKS and UNMIAS will find out on why some people in the rural area are still poor, lack of incomes and the basics such as education, nutrition and place to live.
“I will personally spend time with UNIMAS to know in depth on the issues, both the hardcore and standard categories.
“We must know the fundamental reasons or causes of rural poverty before the anti-poverty prescriptions can be put into effect,” said Minos.
