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Pahang Ends Extreme Poverty, Slashes Overall Poverty by 30 Percent
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Culture & Society

Pahang Ends Extreme Poverty, Slashes Overall Poverty by 30 Percent

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The state of Pahang, Malaysia, has declared an end to extreme poverty as of February 19, having lifted all 2,913 registered households from this status.
  • The state also achieved a 30% reduction in overall poverty, moving 4,263 out of 14,210 poor households out of that category.
  • Officials emphasize that poverty eradication is an ongoing effort requiring continuous monitoring and intervention, despite this significant achievement.

Pahang has officially declared an end to extreme poverty, a milestone achieved on February 19 when all 2,913 households previously classified under this status were removed from the eKasih system.

The determination of this status is based on the 2024 Poverty Line Income (PGK) issued by the Department of Statistics Malaysia under the Ministry of Economy.

— Wan Rosdy Wan IsmailThe Menteri Besar explains the official definition of poverty categories used in Pahang.

Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, the Menteri Besar, announced that the state also succeeded in reducing overall poverty by 30 percent. This involved lifting 4,263 out of 14,210 households categorized as poor on June 5 out of that group.

Extreme poverty is defined as households with a per capita income below RM372 per month in urban areas and RM345 in rural areas. The poverty category applies to households with a per capita income of less than RM790 monthly in urban areas and RM714 in rural areas, based on the 2024 Poverty Line Income (PGI) data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia.

The change in income, job loss, increase or decrease in household members including children of the KIR who move out due to marriage or getting a job, can affect the status of a family.

— Wan Rosdy Wan IsmailThe Menteri Besar highlights the dynamic nature of poverty data and the factors influencing household status.

Wan Rosdy stressed that the eKasih system's data is dynamic, reflecting socioeconomic changes within households. Factors such as income fluctuations, job losses, or changes in household size can alter a family's status. Therefore, he cautioned that this achievement does not signify the end of poverty eradication efforts but rather necessitates ongoing monitoring and intervention.

Therefore, this achievement does not mean that the effort to eradicate poverty has been completed. Instead, it demands continuous action, monitoring, and intervention.

— Wan Rosdy Wan IsmailThe Menteri Besar emphasizes that poverty eradication is an ongoing process.

Key factors contributing to this success include targeted assistance and interventions from state and federal governments, along with related agencies. The state government remains committed to collaborating with federal bodies, aid agencies, local authorities, and community leaders to support families still in poverty. The ultimate goal, Wan Rosdy stated, is not just to lift people out of poverty but to ensure they become self-reliant with stable incomes and improved well-being, fostering prosperity for all Pahang residents.

We don't just want to lift people out of poverty status, but more importantly, ensure they are capable of being independent, have stronger income sources, and enjoy a more prosperous life.

— Wan Rosdy Wan IsmailThe Menteri Besar outlines the state's broader goals beyond simply alleviating poverty.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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