Selangor govt to review Insentif Peduli Rakyat
SUNGAI BESAR: The Selangor government will review its public assistance programme, Insentif Peduli Rakyat (IPR), based on a study to evaluate its effectiveness, said Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.
He said the study was carried out on the programme, which was established 10 years ago to eradicate poverty in the state.
“Findings showed that programmes under IPR had some undesirable effects, including dependency on government assistance.
“This is not what we want to achieve as the state administration.
“Of course, the government will help the needy, especially those who are poor, disabled and not able to compete (fairly with others).
“However, as a healthy society with people who are able to work as well as those with education and means, they should instead be empowered and not be dependent (on public aid),” he said at the state monthly assembly at Dewan Seri Bernam yesterday.
He said people empowerment would be achieved through programmes to boost skills, knowledge and education.
Amirudin said several IPR programmes had been successful in guiding the people to break from the cycle of poverty.
“For example, Hijrah has helped more than 50,000 borrowers, of which 60 per cent of them showed improvements in their businesses.
“Tuisyen Rakyat, which was launched 10 years ago, offered free tuition classes.
“This, however, does not mean that the state government will stop subsidies enjoyed by the people.
“We want to show wealth and prosperity can be shared with all.”