STATE GOVERNMENT TO REPAIR 300 HOMES OF POOR FAMILIES

AROUND 300 houses of poor families in the Ledang parliamentary constituency have been earmarked for repairs this year as part of the state government's effort to eradicate hardcore poverty.

Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman (right) watching his wife, Datin Paduka Professor Dr Jamilah Ariffin, present aid to single mothers.

Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the project will be implemented in stages with allocations from the Hardcore Poor Housing Project and his office.

He said last year, 78 houses of poor families were rebuilt while 71 other houses were repaired and refurbished.

"Through this, we hope the state government's aim to ensure that there are no hardcore poor in the state by next year can be achieved," he said.

Ghani said the state government appreciates the housing developers for stepping in to fulfill their social responsibilities in this respect.

He also said there was an increase in the number of companies paying their zakat, judging from the increase in collection for the last two years.

Ghani said the state government will ensure that the zakat is distributed to those who are qualified to receive it.

He was speaking after presenting aid to 650 poor children, orphans and 138 poor families.

During the event, Ghani's wife, Datin Paduka Professor Dr Jamilah Ariffin, also presented aid to 50 single mothers from the Serom state constituency where Ghani is the assemblyman.

SOURCE: NST JOHOR STREETS, 28 SEPTEMBER 2009