Government should allocate funds to opposition states to achieve poverty eradication goal

SHAH ALAM - The concern expressed by former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob that the government will be able to address the issue of hardcore poverty by the end of this year should be taken seriously by the government.

This doubt arises because the Bera MP believes that the presentation of the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) in Parliament did not intensely address this issue, which involves Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, as well as Sabah and Sarawak.

He believes eradicating hardcore poverty also involves balanced development among regions to ensure that all parties enjoy economic benefits.

"In challenging times, we need short-term measures to ensure that the prices of food items, especially rice, do not rise suddenly," he said.

The MTR of the 12MP aims for 'Malaysia Madani: Sustainable, Prosperous, High-Income' and introduces 17 key shifts as the main drivers.

The MTR of the 12MP begins by addressing hardcore poverty, resolving basic infrastructure issues, and the basic needs of the people, including improving schools and dilapidated clinics, providing a guarantee of clean water supply, and advancing the Islamic economy.

Previously, it was reported that the prices of shallots, garlic, and dried chilli had risen by 30 to 40 per cent, causing concerns among consumers, especially food traders.

Additionally, on Sept 2, it was reported that the price of imported white rice increased by 36 per cent, from RM2,350 to RM3,200 per metric ton.

Therefore, the government must pay attention to the rising prices of goods so that the people do not continue to be burdened by the increasing cost of living.

The government should also allocate funds to opposition states so that the goal of eradicating poverty can be realised.