SIBU: Sarawak has a 2026 target for the reduction of hardcore poverty by 50%, says Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.

The state Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister said on Sunday (May 26), that there are currently 1,298 names in the e-kasih database.

Speaking to reporters after officiating the closing of Wellbest Sarawak Carnival 2024, she said her ministry had set up a hardcore poverty eradication task force to verify who are the real hardcore poor in the e-kasih database.

"The figure might not reflect the actual number of hardcore poor as some of them might have improved economically over time. Their name should not be there any more," said (May 26).

She added that the task force is made up of district officers, longhouse chieftains and the village development committees (JKKK).

"We will identify who are the real hardcore poor in the e-kasih database. For example the breadwinner of the family might be unable to earn an income for the family due to various reasons such as old age and chronic sickness," said Fatimah.

Fatimah said that those who are hardcore poor must show that they are in the target group for a three-month period starting in June.

She added that the task force will also identify members of such families who are capable of conducting income-generating activities.

"We will provide facilities of up to RM5,000 for them to do that," said the Dalat assemblyman.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/26/sarawak-sets-2026-target-for-halving-hardcore-poverty-figures-says-state-minister