SHAH ALAM, April 30 — Achieving “zero poverty” in Selangor is a significant challenge, but it can be done with consistent strategic cooperation, state executive councillor for human resources and poverty eradication Papparaidu Veraman said.
He added that current data shows progress, with the state having achieved zero hardcore poverty, as reported by Sinar Harian.
He added that the overall poverty rate has sharply declined, dropping to about 8.4 percent to 8.5 per cent from 18 per cent previously.
“Integrated efforts involving various agencies, supported by both federal and state governments, have been the primary drivers of this decline, including welfare initiatives like community assistance programmes,” he said, as quoted by the local daily.
Despite the pride in achieving zero hardcore poverty, Papparaidu noted that the bigger challenge lies in reducing the general poverty rate to minimal levels.
“Efforts to achieve total zero poverty are indeed challenging, but we are confident this can be realised with the cooperation of all parties, including government agencies, the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU), and grassroots leadership.”
Papparaidu credited several initiatives for the current success, including collaboration with Lembaga Zakat Selangor and the implementation of the Bantuan Kehidupan Sejahtera Selangor (BINGKAS) and other strategic aid.
He also expressed appreciation to all parties involved in implementing aid programmes, including district officers and village heads.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said hardcore poverty in Selangor has been eradicated thanks to the various efforts of the government.
