Perak: Perak has succeeded in eradicating hardcore poverty involving 9,686 heads of household (KIR) for the period from 2024 to Sept 3. State Women, Family, Community Welfare, Cooperatives and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman Datuk Salbiah Mohamed announced the total included 8,986 KIRs in 2024 and 700 KIRs as of Sept 3. This achievement brings the number of hardcore poor KIRs to zero in Perak. "This was done through various measures and approaches," she stated during the oral question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly sitting in Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Salbiah was responding to a question from Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir (BN-Ayer Kuning), who inquired about efforts or reforms being implemented to eradicate poverty in Perak. She further elaborated that as of Sept 3, Perak has also lifted 5,719 KIRs out of poverty, resulting in a 73.6 per cent reduction, bringing the latest number of KIRs in the state to 2,064.

Salbiah outlined that the measures taken to eradicate poverty included programmes to improve income through business equipment aid and job-matching initiatives, which helped participants to enhance their economic situations and that of their families. Many such programmes are provided by agencies like the Equipment Aid through the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) and the Gerak Grant via the Perak State Entrepreneur Secretariat (STeP).

Additional support includes the Biznita Equipment Aid through the Perak State Women and Community Development Secretariat, and job-matching through the Perak Youth Aspiration Centre (PASAK), intended to ensure income enhancement for this group. Monthly assistance through the Social Welfare Department and the Perak State Women and Community Development Secretariat continues for the targeted groups in need.