SUNGAI BESAR: Selangor government will review its public assistance programme Insentif Peduli Rakyat (IPR) based on a study to carry out its effectiveness, said Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.
He said the study was carried out on the programme which was established ten years ago to eradicate poverty in the state.
“The findings showed that programmes under IPR had some undesirable effects including dependency on the government assistance.
“This is not what we want to achieve as the state administration. Of course, the government would extend assistance to the needy especially the poor, disabled people and those who are not able to compete (fairly with others).
“However, as a healthy society that have people who are able to work as well as those with education and means, they should instead be empowered and not be dependent (on public aid),” he said in his speech at the state monthly assembly at Dewan Seri Bernam on Friday.
He said people empowerment would be achieved through programmes to improve skills, knowledge and education.
Amirudin said several IPR programmes had been successful in guiding the people to break from the poverty cycle.
“For example, HIJRAH had helped over 50,000 borrowers of which 60 per cent of them had shown improvements in their businesses.
“Tuisyen Rakyat, which was launched 10 years ago offered free tuition classes to youths in improving their academic achievement.
“This, however, does not mean that the state government would stop subsidies enjoyed by the people. We to show that the wealth and prosperity could be shared with all,” he added.