D16 : Lack of Development

Sabah was recognised as the richest – in terms of resources – of the four states that came together to form Malaysia in 1963. Today, Sabah ranks as the poorest state in Malaysia. Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, said that there are presently 16,753 poor families with income of less than the minimum monthly income of RM3,102. There are also 15,293 hardcore poor households in Sabah. In 2009, 41% of Sabah’s land area was without piped water compared to 10% in the Peninsula, while 23% of areas in Sabah are without electricity compared to only 0.3% in the Peninsula. And yet, under the 9th Malaysia Plan (2006- 2010), Sabah was allocated only 8% of the total national budget resulting in Sabah having the largest number of people below the poverty line in Malaysia. Despite being oil and natural gas-rich, Sabah has been allocated only RM1,520.76 million of federal funds for for development in 2012, which is less than 3% of the total development budget of RM51 billion for the whole country.

Prayer Suggestions: • Pray against nepotism and corruption by those in charge of developing the State. • Pray for God-fearing political leaders who are champions of the poor and marginalised. • Pray for Sabahans to shed their ‘laidback’ attitude and make their voices heard and issues addressed.