08/12/2025

MONDAY | DEC 8, 2025

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PM unveils new measures to boost social protection

Nation on track to eradicate hardcore poverty

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is on track to completely eradicate hardcore poverty as the nation’s hardcore poverty rate is now only 0.09%, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He added that the problem of poverty is expected to be resolved before the first quarter of next year. Speaking at the Rancakkan Madani event yesterday, Anwar said Malaysia’s performance in reducing hardcore poverty places it among the best globally, surpassing even advanced economies in tackling extreme deprivation. “Malaysia is now among the few countries in the world that have almost ended hardcore poverty. “Even in the United States and Europe, the number of people living on the streets remains high. “We should be grateful that our rate is now only 0.09%.” He directed ministries and implementation units to prioritise the remaining cases. “I told officers that if 0.09% is all that’s left, plan your work and complete it immediately.” He said programmes such as Kampung Angkat, Sekolah Angkat and Sejahtera Madani are designed to ensure that no community is left behind as Malaysia advances its economic transformation. Malaysia posted a GDP growth rate of 5.2% in the third quarter, among the highest in the region. Anwar cited a strengthening ringgit, rising investments and a 44% surge in trade, bringing cumulative trade value to RM2.235 trillion. “This is Malaysia, a moderate nation of 34.5 million people recording impressive and encouraging growth.” He also announced that taxpayers awaiting refunds would begin receiving them on Monday, following the government’s decision to allocate RM4 billion to clear accumulated tax-refund backlogs. “Refunds have been held up for too long. The government does not want the people to owe the country, and the government also cannot owe the rakyat. “This is a matter of fairness, ihsan (compassion) and morality.” He acknowledged complaints from small traders about e-invoicing which had placed a burden on micro and small enterprises. He said the mandatory e-invoicing threshold has therefore been raised from RM500,000 to RM1 million in annual revenue. “We made this decision because we listen, not because of political pressure.” Anwar criticised past practices where wealthy corporations could negotiate tax matters easily while smaller taxpayers faced strict enforcement. “This must change. If someone owes the country, they must pay. But the same principle must apply to the government – debts owed to companies must be settled as quickly as possible.” He said the government continues to face legacy issues, including billions in outstanding payments to contractors and suppliers. “These are inherited problems. We can only pay in stages but we handle them with political will and moral clarity.” – By Harith Kamal commitment to improving remuneration and retirement benefits, adding that recent allocations of RM10 billion this year and RM18 billion next year represent the most significant improvements in over a decade. He said institutional reforms, including the Fiscal Responsibility Act, strengthened parliamentary oversight. He added that the upcoming Ombudsman system is essential to build a more transparent and accountable administration. “Change cannot happen without a clear vision and a committed civil service. Our progress is a shared effort, not the work of one person or one ministry. “We want a government that is stable, responsible and responsive. The civil service is at the heart of that goal.” – By Harith Kamal

public engagement in government initiatives. “This is about creating a stronger link between the people and the government, ensuring that programmes are understood, supported and implemented effectively at the grassroots level.” Both initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to promoting Madani values, focusing on inclusivity and community centred social protection. The event was attended by deputy prime ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Cabinet ministers, senior civil servants and department heads. The launch marked the culmination of the Rancakkan Madani event which featured interactive exhibitions, sharing sessions and a forum on public service reform. Running concurrently with the National Convention on Public Service Reform 2025, the event brought together civil servants, policy thinkers and industry players. Organised by the Prime Minister’s Office through the Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit, the two-day programme drew 304,107 visitors, surpassing its target of 300,000.

o People’s Welfare Insurance Scheme 3.0 enhanced and Sahabat Penggerak Madani initiative launched

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Madani agenda.” The

Sahabat Madani programme empowers volunteers, trained by the Malaysian Academy of Nationhood, to act as grassroots ambassadors supporting field level programmes and raising awareness on nationhood, leadership and government policies. Since its inception, the programme has attracted 3,000 volunteers, many of whom were present at the launch. They serve as trainers and advocates, helping to communicate government initiatives directly to communities. As recognition for their contribution, they will receive official ID cards, access to Malaysian Academy of Nationhood training as well as benefits from strategic partners. Their participation will also be recorded in the nation’s official volunteer registry. Anwar thanked the volunteers for their dedication and highlighted the importance of Penggerak

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced new measures to bolster Malaysia’s social protection agenda, including enhancements to the People’s Welfare Insurance Scheme 3.0 and the launch of the Sahabat Penggerak Madani initiative. Speaking at the Rancakkan Madani event yesterday, he said the insurance scheme had been approved by the Finance Ministry, with an initial allocation of RM20 million for the period from Oct 1 to Sep 30 next year. He said compensation rates under the insurance scheme have been increased to RM13,500 for death, RM26,500 for accidental death and RM13,500 for permanent disability due to accidents. “The aim is to strengthen communication and engagement with the people while expanding the reach of the Malaysia

Anwar officiating at the closing ceremony of the Rancakkan Madani event in Putrajaya yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ /THESUN

Express dissatisfaction with understanding, respect: Anwar PUTRAJAYA: People are free to express their opinions, including dissatisfaction, but it must be done with understanding and respect, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof as well as 140 new initiatives officially announced and 167 in progress are not all widely publicised. and public administration. He said key social programmes such as the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah cash aid and the near eradication of hardcore poverty also demonstrate that public service delivery is functioning effectively.

He called on civil servants to uphold professionalism and support government policies even if they hold differing personal views. “You may have differing opinions but your duty is to convey what the government is doing and to offer constructive suggestions.” He emphasised that the success of the Madani governance agenda depends heavily on the commitment, integrity and cooperation of the civil service. Anwar said Malaysia’s recent gains, including 5.2% economic growth in the third quarter, rising investments and expanding trade, are the result of close collaboration between political leaders

Speaking at the Rancakkan Madani event, he highlighted the government’s commitment to listening to public feedback while continuing its programmes under the Madani administration. He also expressed regret that some of the government’s policies and achievements had not reached the rakyat as intended. “I want to acknowledge the efforts of everyone involved, but what reaches the public often gets drowned in noise or criticism. “In a free society and on social media some comments aim to belittle rather than build.” Anwar said discussions with key officials including deputy prime ministers Datuk Seri

On specific development projects, Anwar pointed to ongoing efforts in Sabah, including electricity, water supply and roads, which are progressing but not yet complete. “People sometimes grow impatient waiting for results but progress is being made, and will be phased in early next year.” He also addressed longstanding concerns within the civil service, particularly about stagnant benefits and delayed pension adjustments. Anwar reaffirmed the Unity government’s