On track to ending hardcore poverty


Khairin-Nisa (centre) handing over Bantuan Kasih Johor aid during an event in Serom, Muar.

THE Johor government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminate extreme poverty by the end of this year.

State women, family, and community development committee chairman Khairin-Nisa Ismail said the number of hardcore poor households (KIR) in Johor has been reduced by 92%, from 4,378 in March 2023 to 359 as of June 2024.

“This success stems from state-led programmes such as Rumah Kasih Johor (RKJ), Bantuan Kasih Johor (BKJ) and the Baik Pulih Rumah (BPR) initiative, which collectively address housing, financial aid and living condition improvements,” she said when contacted.

Khairin-Nisa said under the BKJ initiative, RM16.8mil was allocated to assist 280,000 underprivileged families (B40) across Johor.

“The programme includes the distribution of 5,000 food baskets containing essentials like rice, cooking oil, flour, sugar and sardines.

“The food basket programme is being rolled out in five phases to ensure smooth distribution,” said Khairin-Nisa.

Each phase involves delivering 1,000 food baskets to all 56 state constituencies, with the initiative expected to conclude by January.

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On the BPR programme, Khairin-Nisa said it focused on repairing and refurbishing homes of hardcore poor families.

It included fixing leaking roofs, damaged wooden beams and worn-out flooring and was supported by the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ) and Johor State Economic Planning Division (BPENJ).

As for the RKJ initiative, the programme provided free homes for registered E-Kasih families classified as poor or hardcore poor.

“In the state Budget 2025, RM36.15mil was allocated for the RKJ project involving construction of 328 new housing units.

“This programme is conducted in collaboration with the Johor Housing Development Corporation (PKPJ), MAINJ, Waqaf An-Nur and the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW),” said Khairin-Nisa.

Each assemblyman has been tasked with nominating two eligible candidates from their constituencies to benefit from the programme, provided they meet the basic requirements.

Khairin-Nisa also expressed her gratitude to district officers and Johor civil servants for their role in implementing these initiatives.

“Their contributions have been pivotal in delivering flood relief, targeted assistance and other welfare programmes.”

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