KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) should speak to the government to help their poor constituents and not take to TikTok to complain, says Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.
"Come sit and discuss (the issues) with me in order to help these families to obtain the opportunities and potential provided by the government,” he said.
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"Don't just make noise on TikTok. Make the effort to identify those in need and work together with the government to eradicate poverty," added Rafizi.
He said this when answering a question raised by Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh) in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday. (March 7).
Rafizi said this in reference to meetings that will take place soon between government representatives and leaders from the 20 poorest districts in the country located in Kelantan, Kedah, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak.
He said that there was a lack of response from poor families seeking aid under the People's Friendly Initiative (IPR) from three opposition-held states.
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"A total of 20,209 applications for aid under the IPR were recorded in the first week when it was launched recently. The lowest number of applications were from Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah," said Rafizi.
Rafizi said that the state government should work with the Federal Government to eradicate poverty.
"The Permatang Pauh MP and other Perikatan Nasional MPs, especially from these three states should welcome the efforts by the government to eradicate poverty," he added.
Rafizi then said that a poverty gap exists between states in the country, with six states having the highest rates of absolute poverty.
He said that data revealed that Sabah had an absolute poverty rate of 19.5%, Kelantan (12.4%), Sarawak (9%), Kedah (8.4%), Perak (7.3%) and Terengganu (6%).
Rafizi added that the lack of economic activities and job opportunities are factors why poverty continues to persist in these states.
As such, he said that more than 50% of development expenditure was set aside for these states under Budget 2023.
