HOUSING and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has reiterated Putrajaya’s goals under the Madani Economy Framework to revitalise the country’s economy, expand trade opportunities, accelerate the country’s economic transformation and increase productivity.

Speaking at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York, Nga expressed the government’s aim to reach zero poverty by 2025.

“Since February last year, the government has implemented the People Income Initiative to assist the hardcore poor, poor and low-income groups to generate sustainable income and not solely rely on direct cash assistance,” he stated.

“The government has also taken bold and unprecedented action last month after multiple decades by shifting diesel fuel subsidies from blanket to targeted approaches.”

To implement these policies, Nga said the government has established the Central Database Hub to collect income data for the entire population to ensure targeted assistance reaches those in need.

The two-day forum, themed “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and Eradicating Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises”, began on July 16 and served as a platform to monitor progress towards and achievements of sustainable development goals.

It was attended by 153 heads of state and 17 international organisations.

During the gathering, Nga further highlighted the government’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and prioritising the wellbeing of the people through strategic and innovative approaches led by relevant ministries.

“The SDGs align closely with Malaysia’s Madani Economy framework spearheaded by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the people by restructuring the country’s economy,” Nga remarked.

“We must avoid a tale of two cities. We cannot have one part of our cities for the poor and one part for the rich.”

During his speech, Nga also took the opportunity to address the global community and called upon all UN member states to observe a ceasefire in all conflict areas.

“There can be no sustainable development or prosperity without peace,” he stressed.

“We have to work hand in hand to save lives impacted by the war before we can talk about global sustainable development in the world.” - July 17, 2024

https://focusmalaysia.my/zero-poverty-by-2025-govt-committed-to-revitalise-economy-increase-productivity-says-nga/