ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor government has set March 25 as a targeted timeline to achieve zero hardcore poverty rate in the state, says an executive councillor.
Johor Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said the state government had identified 235 hardcore poor households as of Nov 3, 2024.
He said in the state government’s commitment to eradicating hardcore poverty in Johor, it had launched an intensive effort to address the matter with a targeted March deadline.
Mohd Fared said the state had earlier successfully reduced its hardcore poverty rate to zero as of July 31, 2024, through coordinated efforts between the state government, elected representatives, government agencies, local councils, and district offices.
“The significant drop in hardcore poverty numbers was the result of a joint initiative involving all stakeholders.
“The state has implemented targeted programmes such as the ‘Keluarga Angkat’ initiative and ‘Dapur Kasih Johor’ to help struggling families increase their household income,” Mohd Fared said during a press conference after a briefing on eradicating hardcore poverty and the Dapur Kasih Johor 2025 programme at Kota Iskandar yesterday.
Also present was Johor women, family, and community development committee chairman Khairin-Nisa Ismail.
Mohd Fared said poverty is a dynamic issue and that continuous monitoring is necessary to prevent new cases from emerging.
He said the state government has adopted a quarterly review approach to assess poverty levels instead of waiting for an annual review.
“We are dealing with live data, so there is no specific target for eradication. For example, if the sole breadwinner of a family passes away and those left behind have no other source of income, they will automatically be listed as hardcore poor.
“This proactive approach allows us to intervene early and provide timely support to those in need. Our ultimate goal is not just to eradicate hardcore poverty, but to ensure that no family falls back into hardship,” he said.
To strengthen these efforts, Mohd Fared said the budget for the Dapur Kasih Johor programme had been increased from RM3.2mil to RM3.9mil, benefitting 3,261 heads of households this year.
Mohd Fared added among other welfare programmes, the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAIJ) had allocated RM218.4mil for 2025, which included RM78mil for living allowances, RM18mil for Hari Raya aid, RM68mil for dialysis and fistula treatment, as well as RM12mil for school assistance.
Mohd Fared noted that while efforts are being made to eradicate hardcore poverty, some challenges remain, particularly in document verification and processing.
“Issues such as incomplete documentation, citizenship status, and family disputes can delay aid distribution. However, the state government, Welfare Department and MAIJ are working together to expedite approvals.”
He added that three constituencies – Endau, Sedili, and Panti – had been identified as priority areas due to their relatively higher number of hardcore poor households.
Special operations will be carried out in these areas over the next 10 days to expedite assistance.
“We are optimistic that we can achieve zero hardcore poverty by March 25, but we also acknowledge potential challenges. Even if some cases remain due to unforeseen circumstances, we will continue our efforts to ensure a sustainable solution,” he said.
Meanwhile, Khairin-Nisa said that the Welfare Department had received a total allocation of RM243.4mil, comprising RM216.3mil from the Federal Government and RM27mil from the state government.
“The funds will be used for various assistance schemes, including allowances for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and childcare support,” she said.
She added that the data will be presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on March 25 during the special state development meeting in Putrajaya.
