Anwar Says There's No More Hardcore Poverty In KL, Melaka & Negeri Sembilan
Households earning below RM1,169 a month are classified as hardcore poor in Malaysia.
By Yap Wan Xiang - 16 Feb 2024, 08:55 AM
Cover image via Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that efforts to completely eliminate hardcore poverty in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan have been successful
He said the initiative to eradicate hardcore poverty encompasses not only the Malays, but also includes other ethnicities, such as Indians, Chinese, and other communities, reported Bernama.
"In Kuala Lumpur, although the majority are Malays, the population ratio indicates [a high prevalence of hardcore poverty] among Indians, and we will assist every family in Kuala Lumpur to emerge from the hardcore poverty line. This is our approach, but sometimes, we receive requests that only seek allocation for Indians.
"We have assisted all households facing hardcore poverty, regardless of whether they are Chinese, Malay, or Indian. As of the latest data available, we have achieved 100% [hardcore poverty eradication] in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan," he was quoted as saying yesterday, 15 February.
Anwar has prioritised the eradication of hardcore poverty as one of the key objectives of his MADANI agenda.
Anwar speaking during a Chinese New Year event hosted by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia yesterday, 15 February.
Image via Bernama
Hardcore poverty in Malaysia refers to households with a monthly income of less than RM1,169, while households in absolute poverty have an income of less than RM2,208
Commenting on the complete eradication of hardcore poverty in two states and one Federal Territory today, 16 February, Anwar said that there should be no room for failure in replicating the accomplishment nationwide.
He highlighted the significant zakat collections in several states as a key resource for achieving this goal, reported FMT.
The prime minister stressed that zakat is intended to assist the poor, and state zakat authorities are duty-bound to prioritise the elimination of hardcore poverty.
"Zakat is not about generating revenue for the country. It is an institution dedicated to eradicating poverty.
"I cannot accept the fact that there are people who remain in the hardcore poor bracket despite states collecting large sums as zakat," he said today.
