By NUR HANANI AZMAN / Pic by TMR FILE PIX
The government is committed to eliminate hardcore poverty by 2025 with a Poverty Unit under the Economic Planning Unit has been set up to coordinate policy matters on poverty alleviation at the national level.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed (picture) said this Unit, together with the Implementation Coordination Unit will coordinate strategies and programmes to sustainably raise the incomes of the hardcore poor.
Mustapa had set up a round table discussion group called the Poverty Circle in July, which brings together the government, civil society organisations, corporate bodies, academicians and experts to share their experience in dealing with poverty.
He said six Poverty Circle sessions have since been conducted and some of their inputs have contributed to the formulation of strategies to eradicate hardcore poverty.
“In March next year, we are going to be working hand-in-hand with state governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector, in implementing hardcore poverty eradication programmes in the poorest localities of Malaysia.
“We will adopt a holistic and targeted approach to eradicate hardcore poverty in about fifty localities throughout Malaysia. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for poverty. Our strategies will be tailor-made, based on the unique features of each locality.” he said in his official remark during the launch of the 25th Malaysia Economic Monitor “Staying Afloat” today.
The World Bank Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Finance Hub in Malaysia launched its latest Malaysia Economic Monitor entitled “Staying Afloat” reflects the special topic of this report, which took a deep dive into how the pandemic has affected low-income households in Malaysia, as well as vulnerable groups, such as informally employed workers.
The pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges faced by poor and vulnerable Malaysian households.
According to the High-Frequency Phone survey commissioned by the World Bank in Malaysia, the pandemic had worsened many socio-economic aspects of households, potentially adding to long-term inequalities, besides slowing future growth.
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