PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the National Economic Action Council (NEAC) has agreed on three moves to end hardcore poverty.

Anwar said the first was a special monthly cash aid for households under the food poverty line (FPL) and which cannot earn due to old age and health issues.

He said the second was for government departments to review and update the number of recipients who have been assisted and who earn incomes exceeding the FPL this year.

The third was that “all agencies need to identify households that can participate in the programme in the remaining three months, and be absorbed into other programmes”, he said in a statement issued after the NEAC meeting today.

Anwar said the council was informed about efforts and challenges faced in eliminating hardcore poverty.

He listed programmes that have been launched, including monthly cash assistance, home upgrades, business capital provisions, skills training courses and income-generating plans.

Anwar said the council found the actual development expenditure has been shrinking every year, although the budget showed a large increase, which could impact economic growth in the long term.

He also said delayed and problematic projects have negatively impacted the economy. – Bernama, November 6, 2023.