New poverty threshold not used for aid during pandemic as it would cost govt RM3bil, says deputy minister

PETALING JAYA: Welfare aid distributed throughout the Covid-19 pandemic was based on the RM980 poverty threshold because the latest poverty line indicator of RM2,208 would cost the government more than RM3bil in allocations, says Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff.

"We are still using the old poverty line because we have discussed and seen how the financial burden would weigh heavily on the government.

"If we use the new poverty line, it will cost the government more than RM3bil. This is a big issue, what with the pandemic now," said the Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister during her winding-up speech on the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) in Parliament on Wednesday (Oct 6).

The RM980 figure is based on the 2016 National Poverty Line.

She was responding to Nurul Izzah Anwar (PH-Permatang Pauh), who interjected and asked why welfare distributed since last year was based on the previous poverty line of RM980.

Nevertheless, Siti Zailah said the government will use the revised poverty line of RM2,208 to distribute welfare aid next year.

"The government will not give up and is having engagement sessions with various stakeholders to ensure that the new poverty line is in line with the people's aspirations," she added.

The House later saw a fiery exchange between Opposition MPs and Siti Zailah, who seemed annoyed after she was repeatedly interrupted.

Kasthuri Patto (PH-Batu Kawan) demanded more details from her on government efforts to assist jobless mothers.

"You are giving me a policy answer. I want details. What has the government done?" Kasthuri asked.

The two MPs had a verbal sparring before Siti Zailah proceeded with her speech.

After the Deputy Minister finished her speech, Hannah Yeoh (PH-Segambut) said parliamentary proceedings and debates should not be meaningless affairs.

"Questions on debates should be answered and interjectory questions cannot be seen as an attack," she added.