SHAH ALAM, July 28 — The Selangor government is continuing to strengthen its poverty eradication agenda through a comprehensive approach focused on education, economic empowerment and the welfare of vulnerable communities, regardless of race or religion.
State executive councillor for poverty eradication Papparaidu Veraman said the initiatives are aimed at ensuring no Selangor resident is left behind in receiving assistance provided by the state government.
Among the key initiatives is the Selangor Poverty Eradication Blueprint Assistance Programme under the First Selangor Plan (RS-1), which empowers B40 entrepreneurs by providing business equipment.
"The assistance has received an encouraging response from B40 entrepreneurs, especially single mothers who need equipment to expand their businesses and increase their income.
"For example, the provision of industrial sewing machines not only helps reduce rental costs but also speeds up production, enabling them to increase their business capacity," he told Media Selangor.
The state government is also addressing issues involving customary land and agriculture to help resolve Orang Asli land reserve matters in Selangor while safeguarding the rights and interests of the community.
Papparaidu said he has conducted visits to almost every district to better understand the needs of Orang Asli communities and identify challenges requiring immediate attention.
"I have also instructed all 62 Tok Batin in Selangor to ensure every child in Orang Asli villages has access to education and does not drop out of the school system.
"Education is the main pathway to breaking the cycle of poverty. We want every child to have access to the educational opportunities they deserve," he said.
He added that the state government is also focusing on Indian and Malay communities, particularly in rural areas, where many residents complete only primary school education.
According to Papparaidu, limited access to higher education institutions, particularly for those in rural areas, remains one of the key challenges that must be addressed to improve social mobility.
He stressed that all poverty eradication initiatives would continue to be implemented inclusively to ensure the benefits are enjoyed by all Selangor residents, regardless of race or religion.
Introduced in 2022, the First Selangor Plan (RS-1) is the state's five-year development blueprint aimed at driving economic growth, improving public well-being, strengthening environmental sustainability and enhancing governance through 2025.
The state government has allocated RM1.67 million for the Blueprint Assistance Programme across nine districts.
Among the participating districts, Klang recorded the highest number of recipients and value of assistance, with 42 recipients receiving RM298,916.94, followed by Gombak with 28 recipients receiving RM180,606.48, and Kuala Langat with 27 recipients receiving RM171,709.56.
