20/1/06 TUARAN (The Star)  - Sabah will receive about RM150mil over the next five years to help poverty-stricken families in the state.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Felda would be channelling 30% of its net profits from its oil palm operations in Sabah for poverty eradication efforts.

“If crude palm oil prices remain at the current RM1,400 a tonne level, the amount will be about RM35mil,” he told reporters after launching the third series of National Service training.

Najib said for the first payment this year, Felda would top up the amount by an additional RM15mil.

He added that details of the Felda-funded poverty eradication programmes were being worked out by the Finance Ministry, the Economic Planning Unit and state officials.

On reports that bureaucracy was slowing down the disbursement of aid from the Medical Assistance Fund, Najib said the Health Ministry must resolve the matter quickly to ensure those deserving of help should get it without delay.

If necessary, he said, the ministry should review the rules and conditions of the RM100mil fund, which is targeted to help chronically ill patients.

Asked whether it was necessary for the fund to be placed under an independent body, Najib said: “We should give the Health Ministry an opportunity to look into the matter first.”

Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek had said on Monday that RM6mil from the fund had been disbursed.