KUALA LUMPUR – The government is considering providing special monthly cash assistance for households that are unable to participate in income-generating initiatives, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The prime minister said these were among three recommendations made during the National Economic Action Council for the year 2023, which he chaired today and where he was briefed on poverty eradication efforts.
In a statement that came following the meeting, Anwar said the cash assistance would be given to the households involved, taking into consideration their inability to take part in government initiatives due to factors such as age and health.
The Pakatan Harapan chairman said other recommendations include agencies and ministries reviewing and updating data to confirm the number of assisted households in persistent poverty and income generation were above those living above the food poverty line in 2023.
“All agencies need to identify households that can join the programmes within the remaining three months and incorporate them into the offered programmes based on suitability,” he said.
Anwar said the government has implemented various programmes and initiatives to uplift the poor, including monthly cash assistance, housing upgrades, business capital provision, skills training, and income generation.
“The government is continuously striving to ensure that all development plans implemented bring the best value to the country, with the welfare of the people always a priority to achieve the desired goals.” – November 6, 2023