Suhakam: With more poor households, govt must step up fight against poverty

 

On the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty which is observed on Oct 17 the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has reminded the Malaysian government of its obligation to fight poverty.

"In Malaysia, the incidence of poverty persists among those who are economically and socially vulnerable including daily wage workers, contract workers, single parents, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities, among others.

"The Covid-19 pandemic, combined with the lack of a comprehensive social protection system has exacerbated the insecurity and vulnerability of these groups, and their inability to protect against interruption or loss of income due to movement restrictions enforced during the pandemic," said Suhakam in a statement today.

The group highlighted that the number of poor households increased from 405,400 in 2019 to 639,800, a year later.

"According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the true impact of the pandemic would be better evidenced by the Household Income and Basic Amenities (HIS/BA) Survey which would be conducted in 2022," it said.

Suhakam called on the government to adopt a human rights-based approach in its effort to eradicate poverty.

"This should include active participation of vulnerable communities in decisions that affect them, government commitment to fulfill its obligations as duty-bearers, ensuring principles of non-discrimination and equality are met; and empowering every individual to claim and exercise their rights," it added.

Suhakam highlighted that the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights reported in 2019 that there are at least 110 different social support programmes spread across more than 20 ministries and agencies in Malaysia.

"While acknowledging the government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and to eradicate extreme poverty through the National Recovery Plan and the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025), it is crucial to note that a more coordinated strategy is needed to ensure that all the plans can be delivered effectively," it said. - Mkini