LETTERS: Eradicating poverty is a significant global issue and a crucial component of sustainable development.
The Malaysia Madani framework includes eradicating poverty as one of its three key initiatives, introduced by the unity government in January this year, through restructuring and restoration.
Programmes and initiatives are being implemented to end poverty, including the Urban Community Economic Empowerment Programme, the People's Welfare Development Scheme for rural residents, the Orang Asli Economic Development Programme, the Special Sarawak Bumiputera Programme and the Special Programme for Sabah Natives.
The government has also introduced the People's Income Initiative (IPR), a two-pronged strategy that aims to boost household income and address structural economic problems.
Up to Aug 31, the IPR initiative received 106,492 applications from people who wanted to promote their food products using vending machines and safe equipment, and training to grow strategic crops, including whole grain maize and chillies.
The plan intends to assist the extremely poor in generating additional revenue through agricultural and entrepreneurial endeavours and develop jobs with a respectable wage, particularly for those engaged in 3D (dirty, dangerous and difficult) professions.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the finance minister, said cash assistance and the Rahmah programme would be maintained and enhanced to guarantee the improvement of the social security system.
The engagement sessions under the Prime Minister's Department's Hardcore Poverty Eradication Programme are also a proactive step in accomplishing the government's goals to end hardcore poverty.
Nevertheless, it is also necessary to design new aid programmes that are appropriate for the requirements of vulnerable populations like seniors and people with disabilities.
It is vital to ensure that the poor and highly deprived populations are not only physically but also intellectually prepared for the change in their standard of living.
This is consistent with the opinions of Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, who reportedly said the nation's attempts to become a high-income country must be concentrated on its sustainable development objectives, knowledge-based economy, and national technological development.
Hence, initiatives like Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) must be successful for Malaysia to achieve its high-income goals, highlighting the significance of vocational training for the development of the economy.
TVET is essential because it bridges the skills gap by aligning education with industry demands, developing a trained and adaptable workforce and improving Malaysia's competitiveness on the global stage and investment appeal.
A national strategy integrating the public and corporate sectors, academics, civil societies, community-based organisations and local communities will boost the execution of programmes to eradicate poverty.
DR SUHAIZA HANIM MOHAMAD ZAILANI
Director, Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies,
Universiti Malaya
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times