New poverty eradication programmes being studied, says Sivarasa

PARLIAMENT | The Rural Development Ministry is studying the implementation of new poverty-eradication programmes in several states such as Kedah, Kelantan, Perak, Sabah and Sarawak.

Its deputy minister R. Sivarasa said the move needed to be taken as these states had previously received less attention in terms of poverty eradication efforts.

“The government is committed in implementing programmes relating to poverty eradication and income generation besides reviewing new programmes that could be introduced, especially in Kedah, Kelantan, Perak, Sabah and Sarawak,” he said when replying to a question from Leow Hsiad Hui (PH-Hulu Selangor) during today’s Dewan Rakyat sitting.

He said among the programmes to be implemented are: hardcore-poor public housing, skill and career training, income generation and other entrepreneurial programmes such as the Rural Business Challenge to help increase the rural household incomes.

Sivarasa also said the government realised that there were still many Orang Asli in the country who had yet to even attain basic living standards.

Hence, he said the ministry would set up various additional programmes to improve their welfare and economic status, including through consultation with community leaders.

- Bernama