SHAH ALAM, July 27 — The success of the First Selangor Plan (RS-1) in reducing poverty will be built upon under the Second Selangor Plan (RS-2) to sustain the state's achievement of zero hardcore poverty.
State executive councillor for poverty eradication Papparaidu Veraman said the experience and achievements of RS-1 would serve as the foundation for strengthening RS-2 through improvements and the expansion of assistance programmes based on the people's needs.
"RS-1 has provided an effective formula for reducing poverty in Selangor. We will assess its achievements and enhance existing initiatives so their benefits can be extended to more people.
"Our goal is not only to sustain zero hardcore poverty but also to help more aid recipients improve their standard of living," he told Media Selangor.
On April 29, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Selangor had achieved zero hardcore poverty through the implementation of various poverty eradication initiatives.
Papparaidu described the achievement as one of RS-1's most significant accomplishments.
He said it demonstrated that RS-1 was more than just the state's development blueprint, serving instead as a catalyst for improving the people's standard of living through a comprehensive approach.
According to Papparaidu, the achievement was made possible through close cooperation between the state government and various stakeholders, including federal agencies, local authorities, village heads and related departments.
"This target could only be achieved through the cooperation of all parties to ensure every initiative benefits the people," he said.
Papparaidu also described RS-1 as a comprehensive development framework encompassing all state administration portfolios and every segment of society.
He said initiatives such as the JobCare Selangor Career Carnival and the Selangor Poverty Eradication Blueprint Equipment Assistance Programme would continue under RS-2 to help low-income groups improve their livelihoods.
"The initiatives cover everyone, from professionals to newborn babies. That is why I see RS-1 as a comprehensive framework for the people of Selangor.
"This approach has placed Selangor on the right path to pursue sustainable, inclusive and balanced development while ensuring the benefits of the state's progress are shared by all," he said.
Commenting on the upcoming tabling of RS-2, Papparaidu said future development would continue to prioritise human capital, describing the people as the state's greatest asset and the driving force behind its progress.
"RS-2 will help us formulate better strategies based on the experience gained from implementing RS-1 so that we are better prepared to address future challenges," he said.
