Fresh approach to poverty eradication

KUALA LUMPUR: Fifty localities will be identified this month by the Implementation and Coordination Unit for the first phase of a poverty eradication programme, using the whole-of-nation approach, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

He said each locality will be studied with the cooperation of state governments at the end of the year before programmes and strategies are formulated in January based on needs according to the suitability of each locality.

He added the first phase of the programme will be tabled in the Cabinet in February before implementation in the 50 localities, expected to commence in March.

“This new approach will be reviewed every three months to make sure that there is effective intervention if the achievement is found to be unsatisfactory,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

He was replying to a question from Chang Lih Kang (PH-Tanjong Malim) on the strategies and action plan taken by the government to achieve a zero hardcore poor target by 2025, as stated in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).

Hardcore poor households are defined as those earning RM1,169 per month and below, based on the cost of purchasing basic food, for households with four family members each.

Mustapa said apart from the 50 selected localities, the existing programme for other groups and families nationwide will be continued.

He added the new approach would involve comprehensive and integrated participation from the federal and state governments, private sector, universities, government-linked companies, civil society organisations and community-based organisations.

“Under the 12MP, a comprehensive strategy covering economic, entrepreneurship, education and health projects will be implemented to eradicate hardcore poverty by the year 2025.”

Mustapa also said that the eradication of hardcore poor will be implemented regardless of gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status and location, whether urban or rural.

To ensure a more focused implementation, he said a Poverty Unit was established under the Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister’s Department on Nov 8, and several states have established their respective poverty units at state and district levels. – Bernama