By Sofia Nasir
GOMBAK, Sept 9 — Selangor has successfully eradicated extreme poverty in the state as of July, according to Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said this milestone was achieved through concerted efforts and collaboration between various agencies, including the Selangor Zakat Board, the Social Welfare Department and other related agencies.
“We have reached (zero hardcore poverty) based on the latest data, but we will continue to review the situation quarterly, as circumstances can change.
“People may lose jobs or fall ill, which could alter their economic status, so ongoing monitoring is essential,” he said in a press conference yesterday.
Earlier, Amirudin officiated the launch of the first Ehsan Mart Supermarket for the Sungai Tua constituency at Dataran Selayang here, accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Masdiana Muhammad.
In June, the Menteri Besar had set a goal to eliminate hardcore poverty in Selangor, noting that 245 families remained in this category then, down from 861 in April.
Previously, the Federal government had aimed to eradicate extreme poverty nationwide by 2025 under the 12th Malaysia Plan, but later shortened it to this year.
In the 2024 Budget, Putrajaya allocated RM500 million to combat poverty through the People’s Income Initiative.
Additionally, RM1.5 billion was allocated under the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review to support income-generating programmes and projects for targeted groups, further solidifying efforts to uplift vulnerable groups.
