Malaysia's Hardcore Poverty Eradication Claims: A Closer Look
The government of Malaysia has announced that it has eradicated hardcore poverty, with a rate of 0.09%. However, this claim does not tell the whole story, as thousands of households continue to struggle to survive.
According to recent post-Budget news reports, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim proclaimed that Malaysia has successfully reduced its hardcore poverty rate. Unlike most governments, which refer to absolute or relative poverty lines, Malaysia uses hardcore poverty as an indicator of its anti-poverty programs' successes.
The government celebrates eradicating hardcore poverty, but the real picture shows thousands of households still struggling to survive.
Despite the government's claims, the reality on the ground suggests that poverty remains a significant issue in Malaysia.
Author's summary: Malaysia's poverty eradication claims are misleading.