Hardcore Poverty Is The State Government's Focus Under Perak Sejahtera 2030: 23 February 2024

His Royal Highness has consented to the formation of the Mosque Consultative Council on 30 August 2023.

IPOH, 23 February 2024 – HRH Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah said the agenda of eradicating hardcore poverty be the state government’s focus under the Perak Sejahtera Plan 2030, with the goal of equitable distribution of the state’s wealth for the benefit of all people.

Sultan Nazrin said efforts to eradicate poverty should not just focus on increasing income, but also take into account the quality and wellbeing of life, achieved by providing strong social safety nets and good healthcare services.

"Based on eKasih data, the total number of hardcore poverty households has decreased by 58%, from 9,402 on 31 January 2023 to 3,911 as of 31 December 2023. This decline in hardcore poverty is due to various factors, including the high commitment, efforts and initiatives of the district administration and all aid agencies.

"Providing affordable housing very much needed by low-income people is a fardu kifayah responsibility to be fulfilled. My government needs to strictly implement the people's housing programme. Fulfilling the housing needs of the people should be prioritised over the commercial agenda of profit-seeking developers. The Perak Housing and Property Board (LPHP) estimates that 57,407 housing units are needed by 2030.

"Also, Yayasan Perak launched the Sayangi Rumahku Programme, a free new housing assistance and home improvement and repair programme for the poor. The Rumah Perakku Prihatin programme offers interest-free housing loans to eligible target groups," said Sultan Nazrin. 

His Royal Highness said this at the Official Opening Ceremony of the Second Year of the 15th Perak State Legislative Assembly at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan here today. 

The Sultan added that he has consented to the formation of the Mosque Consultative Council on 30 August 2023 to act as a forum to explore innovative ideas, inject added value, introduce a more dynamic programme to invigorate mosques and successfully attract the interest and participation of the youth. 

"The mosque should not limit its role as a place of worship, but should play a role as a generator of intellectualism and creativity in the local community. 

"The aspirations of the youth are very important to be given attention. "Youth is an important treasure of society and the wealth of the nation," said Sultan Nazrin. 

His Royal Highness ended his speech by calling on the people to develop Perak by combining the strengths of fellow citizens in the spirit of 'united we stand, divided we fall.'

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.