KUALA LUMPUR: The number of households in the country's hardcore poor category has decreased from 126,556 recorded in January to 110,663 as of Sept 30 this year, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said according to the eKasih data managed by the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) under the Prime Minister's Department, the data has shown a decrease of over 15,000 households within nine months through the government's hardcore poor eradication programme.
"The hardcore poverty eradication programme is an ongoing agenda under the government with relevant stakeholders, in line with the nation's comprehensive approach to poverty alleviation.
"The effectiveness of the programme can also be seen in the reduction of the national unemployment rate, as individuals entering the labour market have contributed to the decrease in the national unemployment rate to 3.4 per cent in the second quarter this year, compared to 3.9 per cent in the same period last year.
"With this, efforts to assist the hardcore poor households in escaping poverty will be intensified through the creation of various job opportunities and the strengthening of social protection," she said during the minister's question time in Dewan Rakyat today.
Hanifah said this in response to Mohd Nazri Abu Hassan (PN-Merbok) on the ministry's target achievement to eradicate hardcore poor households for the B40 group.
Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim vowed to end poverty issues in the country.
Anwar reportedly said no individuals in the country should face difficulties feeding their babies or providing uniforms for their school-going children.