‘Giving B40 group a leg up’

The government will ensure that the vulnerable will not be left behind as it strives to achieve the goals of its first economic policy – the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV 2030).

Under the polarity management section of the SPV 2030, nine target groups have been identified as vulnerable – senior citizens, children, women, youth, the disabled, bumiputras in Sabah

and Sarawak, the indigenous community, communities in economic transition, as well as the B40 group.

During the launch of SPV 2030, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the identified nine target groups would be prioritised in order to ensure that they would not be left behind by development.

The Bottom 40 group, better known as the B40, is identified as the main group that requires various forms of government assistance, such as programmes to increase their income, access to quality education, and targeted aid programmes.

At the same time, communities in economic transition, defined as the urban poor and people migrating from the estate communities, are identified as facing issues pertaining to access to quality education and basic amenities, as well as homeownership.

According to the SPV 2030, issues faced by this community requires to be addressed swiftly to improve their social mobility as it will bring about greater economic participation which will lead to higher income.

At the same time, empowering the indigenous community in terms of education, entrepreneurship and skills will be given priority in SPV 2030, as poverty has been identified as the main issue plaguing the community.

Policies by the government must take into account the interest of bumiputras in Sabah and Sarawak, as SPV 2030 pointed out developments in terms of basic infrastructure, roads, quality healthcare and education must be prioritised for those living in the interiors.

Under SPV 2030, the government has also pledged to improve the quality of life of the disabled through the approach of inclusivity in the community by providing education and skills training.

Youths, described as the future of the country, are identified as the most important group by the government.

SPV 2030 aims to create more high-income jobs and to encourage entrepreneurship among them.

Women will also not be left out under SPV 2030, and future policies by the government willbe based on gender sensitivity to encourage more female participation and leadership in both the private and public sectors.

The government has also pledged to protect children from socio-economic issues, as economic challenges will give a lasting side effect on a child’s upbringing.

Providing better amenities for senior citizens, as Malaysia is expected to be an ageing population by 2030, is also listed in SPV 2030.