By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Oct 30 — In a determined effort to eradicate extreme poverty, the Selangor government is set to utilise funding from the Federal administration, including potential contributions from the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra), said V. Papparaidu.
The state executive councillor for human resources and poverty eradication said the effort in combatting poverty will be emphasised in the upcoming 2024 Selangor Budget with support to key state initiatives, such as the Selangor Indian Empowerment and Entrepreneurs Development (i-SEED) programme and the Selangor Indian Entrepreneurs Development Programme (Sitham).
“We provide aid through these programmes by giving the recipients machines or equipment to help them run their business.
“But I was informed by the Menteri Besar (Dato’ Seri Amirduin Shari) that we could also seek funds at the federal level, allowing us to access more funding. However, in the meantime, we are collaborating closely with Hijrah Tour Selangor (HITS) and respective land offices.
“With federal funds, possibly from Mitra or similar sources, it would allow us to have a more focused and impactful approach on the ground,” he said at a press conference held at his office at the Selangor State Secretariat Building, here, today.
Papparaidu also lauded the strategies under the state’s Poverty Eradication Blueprint Assistance Programme, highlighting its significance within Selangor’s comprehensive plan against poverty.
Meanwhile, on the ‘Jom Shopping’ initiative, Papparaidu said the programme, geared towards aiding lower-income (B40) households by offering RM200 shopping vouchers during festive seasons, has seen an expenditure of RM16 million from the allocated funds.
Touching on the upcoming state budget to be tabled on November 10, Papparaidu added that some significant allocations would include infrastructural improvements and enhanced mobility across the state.
