Eradicating hardcore poverty doesn't mean zero poverty: Rafizi

 

PARLIAMENT | The eradication of hardcore poverty in the nation does not mean there would be zero poverty, said Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat this morning, he explained that poverty is a “relative” concept as the poverty line changes from year to year.

“So, we need to look at the official reports. How many are hardcore poor for a particular year… we will publish that number.

“If there are 20,000, we will publish. If there are 40,000, we publish.”

Rafizi was responding to a supplementary question by Ismail Abd Muttalib (PN–Maran).

Ismail asked if Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s statement to eradicate hardcore poverty by 2023 was “sugar-coated” to encourage the people since hardcore poverty is still being discussed today.

Maran MP Ismail Abd Muttalib

“If that’s the case (no more poverty), there’s no need for a government or zakat (assistance) then,” Rafizi jibed.

The minister further explained that eradicating poverty means helping the number of hardcore poor families reported every year to break free from destitution.

“For instance, in 2022, there were 18,445 hardcore poor families nationwide and this was the country’s official report to the world. Our economic indicator.

“Government programmes that officially monitor (these families) show that the 18,445 families… were lifted out (of hardcore poverty),” he said.

Urban-rural divide

Rafizi admitted that it was easier to eradicate hardcore poverty in urban areas as there were more economic opportunities, be it financial assistance to do business or job opportunities for households.

This, he said, was coupled with cash transfers from various government welfare programmes such as zakat, Rahmah Cash Aid (STR), and through the Social Welfare Department.

He said this in response to Shafie Apdal (Warisan–Semporna) who asked in a supplementary question about methods used by the government to eradicate hardcore poverty in Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, and Malacca, as announced by Anwar last month.

Semporna MP Shafie Apdal

Shafie asked if the same methods used in those three areas could be applied to the eight poorest districts in Sabah - Tongod, Beluran, Pitas, Kinabatangan, Kota Marudu, Tuaran, Ranau, and Lahad Datu.

Rafizi suggested that job opportunities be created through integrated farming in Sabah.

“We will not just provide the land and give them the seeds, but we will arrange the whole project. Be it 100 or 200 acres at each location.

“All infrastructures will be born by the government. It will be carried out like in a factory.

“Contracts will be arranged so they get a salary, RM2,000 to RM2,500 depending on the yield of each location. Everything will be controlled by a process,” he said. - Mkini