Johoreans should seize every opportunity to improve living standards - Khaled

Johoreans should seize every opportunity available to improve on their standard of living instead of relying completely on government aid, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

He said the people must also play their part in helping the government to achieve progress by taking over some of the government's responsibilities.

"In any country for that matter, if the citizens were to depend entirely on the government, the country would not succeed. Countries which achieve success are those which practice the shared responsibility concept," he said.

He said this to reporters after presenting the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) in Taman Cendana, here on Saturday.

He said if the people played an active role in seizing all opportunities, it would certainly contribute towards the development, economic growth and stability of the country.

On BR1M, Mohamed Khaled said it was not a form of corruption but was aimed to reduce poverty, especially among the less fortunate.

"The government wants to reduce poverty and improve living standards. When the people's living standard has improved, the number of beneficiaries will be reduced and we can increase the amount to help other poor people," he said.

He added that aid to such target groups was not only implemented in Malaysia but also in developed countries, including neighbouring countries.

"Cash transfer programmes are being practised in 63 countries where the target groups are also given other forms of aid including vouchers, food coupons and basic necessities.

In Singapore he said ComCare which had been implemented since 2005 had helped 1.4 million people who were unable to work, had limited source of income and no family support.

"In Brazil it is called Bolsa Familia. The scheme has helped 36 million families in the country and managed to reduce the poverty rate by as much as 89 per cent," he said.

In the meantime, Pasir Gudang member of parliament Datuk Normala Abdul Samad said there were 1,187 BR1M recipients from Pasir Gudang parliamentary constituency this year.

Normala said of the total, 525 were from Permas and 662 were from Johor Jaya.

-- BERNAMA