Kota kinabalu: Senior citizens aged 60 and above, as well as youths in Sabah, can look forward to good news if Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is once again given the mandate in the 17th Sabah State Election, with two welfare initiatives currently being formulated by the state government.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor stated that the state government is reviewing the introduction of monthly aid for senior citizens and a first home deposit scheme for youths. This initiative aims to strengthen the social safety net and improve the ability of young people to own a home.

Hajiji mentioned that the initiatives are currently in the planning stage, with intentions to assist those aged 60 and above. For young people or qualified citizens, there will be support to pay the deposit for their first home. He shared these plans with reporters during a campaign tour in Usukan and Tempasuk.

As the Sabah Chief Minister, Hajiji emphasized that both initiatives are expected to significantly impact low-income groups, particularly those grappling with rising living costs and increasing house prices. He also expressed confidence in the capabilities of GRS candidates, Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari in Tempasuk, and Datuk Japlin Akim in Usukan, in the upcoming state polls.

Mohd Arsad is facing a seven-cornered contest to defend the Tempasuk seat, while Japlin will compete against five other candidates. The Election Commission has set November 29 as the polling day, with early voting on November 25.