Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal maintained his stand against on government handouts, saying Sabah’s economic future depends on sustainable job creation and investment, not short-term financial aid.

“There is no use giving financial aid if people remain unemployed. Of course, assistance is helpful, but what makes a real difference is investment that creates jobs,” said the Warisan president at a Ramadan event in Merotai, Tawau on Wednesday.

Shafie stressed that government spending should focus on industries that provide stable employment rather than one-off cash payments.

“If we use hundreds of millions to build factories, the local community will have work. They will earn a salary every month, not just receive a one-time handout,” he said.

He pointed to past efforts in Tawau, where a cooking oil plant was set up under Warisan’s leadership.

“I started small before. In Tawau, we set up a cooking oil plant, and now 40 people work there, earning RM2,000 to RM3,000 per month. Wouldn’t that be better than just giving out cash aid?” he said.

Shafie also tied his views to self-sufficiency, citing Islamic teachings.

“In Islam, we are taught to be self-sufficient. That is why after fasting, we pay zakat fitrah—to ensure that the giving hand is better than the receiving hand,” he said. – March 12, 2025