Comprehensive framework on social protection to be formulated - Mustapa

"As our nation continues to develop, it is essential that we are able to strike a balance between economic and social dimensions of growth.

"Reaching our goal of becoming a high-income nation by the end of 2025 will be a hollow achievement if income and regional disparities continue to widen and poverty rates remain high," he said while officiating at the World Bank's virtual workshop on Global Best Practices in Social Safety Nets Reform today.

The workshop was jointly organised by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU).

Mustapa said the country also needs to have a responsive social protection system, especially for the poor and marginalised.

"While poverty eradication has always been an important component of our development agenda, one of the most important programmes which will be implemented this year is eradicating hardcore poverty by the end of 2025.

"Under Phase 1 of Program Basmi Kemiskinan Tegar Keluarga Malaysia, we have identified 80 localities covering urban and rural areas as well as Orang Asli settlements, and these hardcore poverty eradication programmes are being rolled out throughout the country," he said.

Mustapa further noted that a dedicated poverty unit has been established in the EPU as well as at the state level, which is tasked with enhancing the integrity of the eKasih database on poverty as well ascoordinating programmes and initiatives.

On another note, he said the government has introduced various programmes to uplift the quality of life for all Malaysians, especially those in the low household income groups.

During the 11th Malaysia Plan, among the successful programmes were -- equipping over 350,000 individuals with digital skills through the eRezeki programme, providing opportunities for over 5,000 entrepreneurs to venture into micro-businesses under Program Pemerkasaan Ekonomi KomunitiBandar (PEKB) and completing close to 300,000 units of affordable houses as of 2020.

While under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025), social protection of the rakyat is given focus through Theme 2: Strengthening Security, Wellbeing and Inclusivity, Mustapa said.

"Emphasis will be placed on new approaches in addressing poverty, reducing disparities between low and high-income groups, more equitable Bumiputera socioeconomic outcomes and enhancing the socioeconomic status of the Orang Asli.

"With the successful implementation of these programmes during the 12MP period, development gaps among regions, states, urban and rural areas will be narrowed, with specific emphasis on enhancingsocioeconomic development in Sabah and Sarawak," he added.