IN the past few weeks, both the Federal and Johor governments have talked about eradicating poverty or reducing the number of people living in hardship.

GROWING up as a Bajau in Semporna, Sabah meant that most of my childhood was spent swimming in between houses at the water village.

LAST July, I received a call for help to highlight issues at a people’s housing project (PPR) in Johor.

IN 2013, I worked as a cashier in a convenience store and discovered that the most sought-after item was cigarettes.