Thursday 28 Mar 2024
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KUALA LUMPUR (March 7): The government has allocated half of the RM97 billion development expenditure in the revised Budget 2023 to the six poorest states in the country, including those controlled by the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition.

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli told the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (March 7) that these states are Sabah, with an absolute poverty rate of 19.5%, followed by Kelantan (12.4%), Sarawak (9.0%), Kedah (8.4%), Perak (7.3%) and Terengganu (6.0%).

Hence, Rafizi [PKR-Pandan] said, the matter of the government neglecting development in PN-controlled states does not arise.

“My hope for PN MPs, especially those who represent these states, is for them to be receptive to the government’s effort in helping these poor families. Don’t just make noise on TikTok, but make an effort to work together with the government to fight poverty,” he said.

Rafizi was responding to a question by Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan [PAS-Pematang Pauh] on the government’s effort to close the income inequality gap between the poorest and richest states.

“Allocations are focused on poor households regardless of where they are, and it happens that a big portion of this B40 group reside in states that are controlled by PN,” said Rafizi.

The PKR deputy president also mentioned that although the government made allocations for the poverty aid programme, reception from PN-controlled states is still very low.

“Therefore, I urge Permatang Pauh that it is better to work with the government’s effort, because allocation is made, and the programme is there.

“It is time for leaders at state governments, especially those controlled by PN in Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah, to ensure that economic planning at state level are equally good, and not just keep on asking for allocations, because allocations have been made, 50% [of development expenditure in Budget 2023] to states with the highest poverty rate,” he explained.

For more Parliament stories, click here.

Edited ByLam Jian Wyn
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