Selangor Declares End to Hardcore Poverty, Anwar Stresses Sustainable Income Growth
PETALING JAYA, April 29 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced that hardcore poverty in Selangor has effectively been eradicated, attributing the achievement to targeted government initiatives and coordinated development programmes.
The milestone was highlighted during a Petaling district development meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, marking a significant step in Malaysia’s broader effort to eliminate extreme poverty, particularly in its most economically dynamic state.
However, Anwar emphasised that the achievement must be sustained through continuous monitoring to ensure that no household slips back into hardship.
“What matters now is ensuring every family has the opportunity to rise. We must empower them through skills training and economic opportunities so they can generate their own income sustainably,” he said.
He underscored the importance of shifting from welfare dependency to empowerment-based strategies, where individuals are equipped with the tools needed to achieve long-term financial independence.
As part of this approach, Anwar called for the expansion of the Program Sejahtera MADANI (SejaTi MADANI) in urban areas such as Petaling, where poverty often presents more complex challenges compared to rural settings.
He cited several successful community-driven initiatives, including tailoring programmes in Kampung Melayu Subang, stingless bee honey production in Bayu Damansara, and furniture-making projects in Bukit Lanchong. These initiatives have demonstrated strong income-generating potential, with some participants reportedly earning between RM24,000 and RM100,000.
Such outcomes, he noted, illustrate how targeted support — combining training, funding, and mentorship — can transform the economic prospects of low-income communities.
Beyond poverty eradication, the meeting also addressed broader urban management and social issues, including the administration of non-Muslim places of worship, solid waste management, and regulatory concerns surrounding pig farming.
Infrastructure challenges were also discussed, particularly road maintenance and the progress of flood mitigation projects. The Prime Minister stressed the need for immediate measures to alleviate public inconvenience, especially in flood-prone areas, while awaiting long-term solutions.
He reiterated that inclusive development must ensure that economic gains are distributed equitably, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving the overall quality of life for all Malaysians.
-wilayah.com.my
