SHAH ALAM, March 18 — The poverty rate in Selangor continues to decline following the implementation of various programmes targeting low-income groups.
State executive councillor human resources and poverty eradication Papparaidu Veraman said the number of poor households is estimated to have dropped from 18,000 in 2024 to around 5,000 last year.
“We have successfully eradicated hardcore poverty, and the focus now has shifted to reducing the overall poverty rate and ensuring these households remain out of poverty.
“The poverty rate is always changing and not static, but this is not a barrier, as it is the government’s responsibility to ensure these groups stay out of the poverty cycle,” he said at the Ihsan Ramadan programme last night.
Earlier, he spent time breaking fast with representatives from state departments and agencies, as well as low-income families from four state constituencies. He also distributed food baskets to 100 underprivileged recipients in conjunction with Aidilfitri.
Papparaidu also urged young people to take advantage of courses under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme to enhance skills and open up higher-income opportunities.
“Better income will help improve living standards,” he said.
Previously, Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said the state government is monitoring about 3,500 low-income families every six months to ensure they do not fall back into hardcore poverty.
He said this proactive approach is taken to prevent families from slipping back into extreme poverty before assistance is provided.
