Step up efforts to end poverty!

With investments worth billions of ringgit pouring in and other improvements in the economy, the government should be able to secure more funds to help those in need.

The government must lead more aggressive poverty alleviation programmes. Relevant agencies and groups should prioritise ending poverty, especially extreme poverty, from Malaysian society.

Many people still struggle with low socioeconomic status and poverty. The presence of extreme poverty among the people of Malaysia is disappointing. It suggests the political system has not adequately supported those most in need.

Recently, I read that the Johor state government has worked to end extreme poverty over the past two years. Its programmes include:

• Rumah Kasih Johor – providing free houses for families registered with e-Kasih (a national database of poor families) classified as poor or extremely poor
• Bantuan Kasih Johor – distributing 5,000 food baskets containing basic items like rice, cooking oil, flour, sugar and sardines
• Baik Pulih Rumah – repairing the homes of extremely poor families, including fixing leaky roofs, damaged wooden beams and worn-out floors

The government should launch similar programmes nationwide or strengthen existing ones.

Claims of insufficient funds for more aggressive poverty alleviation programmes are unacceptable. This is purely about political will.

Frankly, does the government have the political will to:

• Secure adequate funds to improve people’s socioeconomic status and effectively end poverty
• Put the needs of ordinary people before corporate and investor interests

Ending poverty could help build public confidence in the government. This approach could help the government to secure much-needed support, especially in rural areas.

Improving people’s socioeconomic levels is more effective at generating voter support than using divisive identity-based (racial and religious) politics.

The government must find the political will to work relentlessly towards ending poverty as soon as possible.

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama

1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme

Support our work by making a donation. Tap to download the QR code below and scan this QR code from Gallery by using TnG e-wallet or most banking apps: