PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his gratitude as a total of RM120mil was collected under the newly launched Sejahtera Madani initiative, aimed at eradicating hardcore poverty in the country.
Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, reaffirmed the government's commitment to ending hardcore poverty with the help of all parties, including the private sector.
"I initially said if we get RM50mil, that is enough; the government can help a little.
"However, the support has been overwhelming. Although not everyone is happy with the initiative, so far we have managed to collect RM120mil," he said after launching the Sejahtera Madani 2025 initiative at the Seri Perdana Complex on Thursday (July 24).
The launch was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Sejahtera Madani is a national initiative coordinated by the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department (ICU JPM) to assist poor and hardcore poor households registered in the eKasih system, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Department.
This programme combines various forms of assistance from ministries, government agencies, and the private sector to address poverty in a focused and integrated manner.
Guided by a "whole of nation approach," the programme emphasises high-impact and sustainable programs or assistance for Heads of Households and Household Members registered under eKasih.
The initiative focuses on four key areas: income generation, education, housing, and welfare.
Anwar mentioned that the government had initially targeted 200 schools for adoption but received offers for 1,000 schools so far.
"I don't think this is an easy feat that can be achieved by many countries in terms of strong collaboration between the government and the corporate sector," said Anwar.
The Prime Minister also stated that the government's mission to end hardcore poverty is achievable due to support from diverse backgrounds.
"It is within our means. Based on the figures in 2023 and 2024, we can do it, although the numbers will be there. But it is way lower compared to before," he said.
The fund, in the form of corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions for Sejahtera Madani, will be channeled directly into the People’s Well-being Fund under the supervision of ICU Prime Minister's Department, said the Prime Minister's Department.
"All CSR contributions are eligible for income tax deductions under Subsection 44(6) of the Income Tax Act 1967, as approved by the Finance Ministry."
As of July 15, a total of 306,403 Heads of Households have been recorded in the eKasih system nationwide, consisting of 1,017 classified as hardcore poor and 305,386 as poor, said the Prime Minister's Department.
"The government remains committed to eradicating hardcore poverty and is aiming for a 33% reduction in poverty this year. The ceremony not only serves to express the government’s appreciation for the CSR contributions from strategic partners, but also to honor 16 selected eKasih Heads of Households from across the country, who were specially invited to the event to receive aid from the Government," it said.
All aid provided to the targeted groups is tailored to their specific needs to help increase household income and uplift their standard of living, it explained.
