Kuala lumpur: The People's Well-being Initiative (Sejahtera MADANI) needs strong follow-through to ensure its success in eradicating urban poverty, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, emphasized that while the initiative is a positive development, it must be followed through with comprehensive actions to ensure lasting impact for those in need.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid highlighted the importance of the initiative being long-term and including joint monitoring by the private sector, government-linked companies, government-linked investment companies, and other bodies. He remarked, "As often said, we cannot just give a man a fish - we must give him a fishing rod so that he can catch fish on his own." This approach is seen as essential for the program to have a meaningful and enduring impact.

Ahmad Zahid made these remarks while speaking to the media after the launch of the Sejahtera MADANI initiative by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He also noted that the Sejahtera MADANI Fund has raised nearly RM120 million, which will cover not only financial aid but also goods, services, and training. The initiative is a coordinated effort by the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister's Department.

Sejahtera MADANI is a national initiative aimed at assisting poor and hardcore poor households registered under the National Poverty Database (eKasih system). It brings together various forms of aid interventions across ministries, agencies, and the private sector to eradicate poverty in a focused and integrated manner.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar reiterated that Sejahtera MADANI is specifically designed to assist poor and hardcore poor households.