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KUCHING: The Sarawak Government remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate poverty by implementing targeted intervention strategies, ensuring that those in need receive appropriate assistance.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing poverty rates through a macro approach and comprehensive data verification.
“We are confident that we can successfully eradicate hardcore poverty. Next year, our focus will be on addressing the needs of the low-income group as a whole,” she said during a press conference at Baitulmakmur II on Monday.
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She emphasized that the ongoing efforts and development programmes spearheaded by the state government, including those introduced by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, have significantly contributed to economic growth.
According to Dato Sri Fatimah, these macroeconomic initiatives have helped increase household income and create new economic opportunities for low-income communities.
“The Poverty Line Income (PGK) for the poor in Sarawak is RM2,618, while the threshold for hardcore poverty is RM1,298. To ensure effective assistance, the government is identifying individuals and families in these categories using the E-Kasih system,” she explained.
Dato Sri Fatimah further highlighted that data collected through E-Kasih undergoes strict verification to guarantee that aid reaches only the truly deserving recipients.
“This verification process involves input from community leaders who have firsthand knowledge of the circumstances faced by residents in their respective areas,” she said.
“When we receive initial data, the first step is verification. We must ensure that those classified as hardcore poor genuinely qualify. A special committee is formed to assess and confirm their eligibility,” she added.
Also present at the press conference was the Permanent Secretary to the Sarawak Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua.
The Sarawak Government continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to poverty eradication through structured and data-driven policies, ensuring sustainable economic growth and improved livelihoods for its people. — UKASnews