Government Is Taking Various Approaches To Increase Income, Purchasing Power Of B40 Group
Author Avatar

(Image: Malay Mail/Yusof Mat Isa)

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy), Arthur Joseph Kurup has commented that the government is taking various approaches in its attempt to increase the income and purchasing power of B40 households.

Speaking during a parliament session, Arthur said that one such approach is the offering of programmes that can boost this group’s income and capability to secure higher-paying jobs. Examples include the Urban Economic Empowerment Programme and Income Increment Programme. The two programmes provide various initiatives and services – such as trainings, financial assistances, and management support – to empower their targeted audience in obtaining better earnings. The Income Increment Programme, for instance, is aimed at participants from the rural area, particularly in agriculture and economic planning.

(Image: Malay Mail)

Aside from the programmes, Arthur pointed out that the government has also improved access to basic needs – such as education, health, and housing – to assist the B40 households. Moreover, it promoted entrepreneurship and access to financing such as the microcredit financing facility provided by TEKUN Nasional.

“(Another approach is) improving the social protection system by introducing an integrated and comprehensive social protection system framework, including the PeKa B40 healthcare protection scheme,” added Arthur. For context, the PeKa B40 programme is a healthcare protection scheme that was introduced in Budget 2019 and was further upgraded in Budget 2020. Intended for the B40 group, the scheme covers a range of common medical treatments, and offers benefits such as the purchase of medical equipment.

On top of these initiatives, Arthur said that the government is also currently drafting policies and strategies in the 12th Malaysia Plan to help tackle poverty and improve the people’s wellbeing.

“To tackle poverty and upgrade the service delivery mechanism at the grassroot level, the government will strengthen the bottom-up approach among the stakeholders. The approach will therefore be improved through the involvement of the public and community-based organisations. The authorities will also be empowered to identify and reduce pockets of poverty at the community level,” Arthur explained.

poverty in rural areas

(Image: Aliran)

Arthur had listed these efforts in response to a question regarding the number of Malaysian households that fell under the national poverty line income (PLI), as well as the measures that are being taken to help them. Earlier this year, Malaysia had revised its national PLI from RM980 to RM2,208 following the reveal of the Household Income And Basic Amenities Survey Report 2019.

“Using the 2019 PLI, the absolute poverty rate was 5.6% comprising 405,441 households in 2019 compared with 7.6%, involving 525,743 households in 2016,” clarified Arthur.

(Source: The Sun Daily)

0 0 votes
Article Rating

SHARE

Comments (0)

Subscribe
Notify of

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Top Money Management Articles
Top Money Management Articles
Post Image
Best High Interest Savings Accounts In Malaysia (September 2023)
Pang Tun Yau
- 11th September 2023
Make your money work for you by depositing them into the best high-interest savings accounts in Malaysia!
Post Image
Malaysia Personal Income Tax Guide 2021 (YA 2020)
Jacie Tan
- 25th March 2021
NOTE: This is the income tax guide for the year of assessment 2020. If you are filing your taxes […]
Post Image
Historical EPF Dividend Rates
ringgitplus
- 6th March 2023
Ever wondered how this year's EPF dividend rate compares to previous years? We got you covered with our historical 11-year chart!
Post Image
Cash Advance on Your Credit Card? Here’s What You Need to Know.
Diana Chai
- 5th July 2019
There are days when you need cash on the double and most (if not all) credit cards have this option. But before you run to your ATM; here are some things to think about.

Related articles

Related Posts Image
Related Posts Image
Related Posts Image
Related Posts Image

When Should You Get A Personal Loan?

Jacie Tan -
2nd February 2021