KUALA LUMPUR – The poverty rate in Malaysia, based on the 2019 poverty line index, stands at 5.6%, or 405,441 households.
The rate in cities is 3.8%, while it is 12.4% in rural areas.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed shared the figures in his reply to a question by Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu (Bersatu-Tambun) on December 2, on the government’s decision to raise the poverty line income from RM980 to RM2,208.
Mustapa was asked what initiatives Putrajaya has taken to tackle the rise in poverty rates following the review.
The minister said the poverty line refers to the ability of a household’s income to satisfy members’ nutritional needs, so as to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
When the poverty line income was increased to RM2,208 last year, Putrajaya took into account optimum needs as opposed to minimum caloric needs.
“The government is always focused on the agenda of eliminating poverty. On September 2, 2020, the government established a special cabinet committee to tackle poverty that is chaired by the prime minister,” said Mustapa.
“To reduce the poverty rate, the B40 group will be given priority when it comes to welfare aid, comprising education, health, housing and cash assistance.”
Additionally, the Bantuan Sara Hidup and Bantuan Prihatin Nasional aid is available throughout the various iterations of movement controls imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Assistance worth up to RM1,600 is given to households with an income of RM4,000 and below, said Mustapa. – The Vibes, December 4, 2020
