Latest news with #People'sIncomeInitiative
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Bung Moktar calls for more inclusive implementation of People's Income Initiative
Bung during his recent visit to Tawau Market. KOTA KINABALU (June 6): Kinabatangan Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has raised concerns over the implementation of the People's Income Initiative (IPR), saying it remains inadequate in addressing the pressing needs of rural communities in Sabah. He pointed out that although the IPR is a key policy under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and was well-intended, its on-ground execution in the state's interior has yet to reach the level needed to make meaningful impact. 'Sabah's hardcore poverty rate stands at 1.2 per cent, six times higher than the national average of 0.2 per cent. This is not just a statistic, but a stark indicator of the developmental gap that persists,' he said in a statement today, after visiting Tawau Market recently. Bung stressed that many Sabahans, particularly single mothers, the elderly and youth in rural areas, continue to live in hardship due to limited access to opportunities and targeted assistance. He urged the Ministry of Economy to restructure the delivery of the IPR so that it becomes more inclusive and better aligned with the unique realities faced by Sabah's rural population. He also proposed that in-person outreach initiatives be prioritised, involving physical engagements at community halls, schools, places of worship and other grassroots centres, in close collaboration with village heads, the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) and local NGOs. 'The government must go to the people, not the other way round,' he said. Bung added that federal policies like the IPR must be tailored to reflect the actual context of communities on the ground, taking into account geographical challenges, cultural differences and economic limitations specific to Sabah. 'It is time the government stops viewing Sabah merely as the poorest state, and instead begins recognising it as a strategic development partner capable of making a significant contribution to the nation's future,' he said. 'I believe that with a strengthened and well-targeted implementation of the IPR, Sabah can break free from the cycle of poverty and move towards a more prosperous future,' he added.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Active outreach needed for People's Income Initiative to have real impact in Sabah, says Bung
KOTA KINABALU: The People's Income Initiative (IPR) must be brought directly to rural communities instead of expecting the poor to find their way to government aid, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin. The Kinabatangan MP stressed that effective outreach, not passive delivery, must drive the implementation of the programme in Sabah's interior. ALSO READ: People's Income Initiative to continue under 13MP, says Rafizi He added that the IPR is a commendable federal policy launched in 2023 and scheduled to continue under the 13th Malaysia Plan, but its impact in Sabah has been limited because of a lack of on-the-ground engagement. 'The government must go to the people, not the other way around. 'Outreach programmes should be the backbone of IPR in Sabah. "This includes face-to-face engagement in community halls, schools, houses of worship and local centres, involving village heads, village development and security committee (JKKK), non-governmental organisations and other grassroots networks,' the Sabah Barisan Nasional chief said in a statement on Friday (June 6). ALSO READ: IPR participants expected to get out of poverty in two years, says Rafizi Bung Moktar pointed out that Sabah's hardcore poverty rate currently stands at 1.2%, six times higher than the national average of 0.2%. This reflects the daily struggles, especially those of single mothers, the elderly and youth in rural Sabah, who are eager to improve their lives but trapped by limited access and opportunity. 'People here are not lazy. They are simply cut off from programmes that could help them. It is not enough to just roll out a policy; we must make sure it reaches the right hands,' he added. Bung Moktar urged the Economy Ministry to restructure the IPR delivery mechanism by taking into account Sabah's unique geographical, cultural and socioeconomic landscape. ALSO READ: Govt to meet local authorities to speed up IPR He also called on the Federal Government to see Sabah not as a lagging region but as a strategic development partner that can significantly contribute to national progress if treated equitably. 'The success of IPR in Sabah would not come from centralised announcements. It will come from real presence, real conversations, and real inclusion,' he said. He believes that with a people-first approach, IPR can help lift many Sabahans out of the cycle of poverty towards a just and sustainable future.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
People's Income Initiative: Face-to-face approach effective to engage Sabah rural communities
TAWAU: The implementation of People's Income Initiative (IPR) should be more inclusive and targeted, especially in rural Sabah, said Sabah Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin. He said the initiative under 13th Malaysia Plan, despite being well-conceived, would likely fail in reaching those most in need. The IPR, proposed under the revised 2023 Budget with a RM500 million allocation, is a collaboration between the government and several strategic partners to increase the income of people living in hardcore poverty, and those in the B40 income group. The initiative comprises three modules: the Agro Entrepreneur Initiative (Intan), the Food Entrepreneur Initiative (Insan) and the Services Operator Initiative (Ikhsan). The former deputy chief minister said Sabah's hardcore poverty rate stands at 1.2 per cent, which is six times higher than the national average of 0.2 per cent. "This is more than just a statistic, it is tangible evidence of a persistent development gap. "In reality, many Sabahans, especially single mothers, the elderly and rural youth continue to live in deprivation not due to a lack of effort but because of limited access to opportunities and assistance," he said in a statement. To address it, Bung Moktar urged the Economy Ministry to restructure the IPR's rollout in Sabah, prioritising outreach-based strategies. He added a face-to-face or outreach programme approach must become a central strategy, involving direct engagement at community halls, schools, houses of worship and community centres, in close cooperation with village heads, Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK), and non-governmental organisations. "Sabah holds tremendous potential if policies are executed equitably and in a targeted manner. "I believe that with an empowered implementation of IPR, Sabah can break free from the cycle of poverty and move towards a more prosperous future," he added.
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Rafizi's tenure defined by bold moves to improve people's livelihoods
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who became the economy minister in December 2022, part of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Cabinet, is known for a myriad of initiatives to improve people's livelihoods. Foremost among his initiatives was the proposal to set up the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). He proposed the ambitious idea in May 2023 during a meeting with the Johor state government. Rafizi emphasised that a special economic zone could further boost business ecosystems and provide greater opportunities by tapping into the strengths of both regions. This is already paying dividends; in just two years, the JS-SEZ has emerged as an investment destination, attracting international companies and facilitating the establishment of data centres. In addition, he launched the People's Income Initiative, better known as Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR), in February 2023, aimed at increasing the income of the poorest households and the B40 group. Rafizi, who hails from Besut, Terengganu, also advocated for the classification of the T15 income group, which is set to replace the previous B40, M40 and T20 categories. The initiative was part of national planning and budgeting, especially under development and economic plans such as the 11th Malaysia Plan and the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030. The minister also heavily invested his time and effort in the development and implementation of the Central Database Hub (Padu). This was a data repository for all individuals and households comprising citizens and permanent residents in Malaysia, aimed at improving policy planning and data-driven programme implementation. However, the project came under criticism amid concerns that the public was compelled to register and disclose their financial and personal details. Rafizi was also involved in the implementation of the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35), as part of the government's strategy to advance Bumiputera development towards making Malaysia a leading regional economy. Before becoming a minister, the former chartered accountant served at Petronas from 2005 to 2009 as a Senior Manager in Business Planning, Operations and Petrochemical Transaction Technology, and later in Accounting, Budgeting and Taxation. He also held the position of General Manager at Pharmaniaga. Rafizi also led the Selangor Economic Advisory Office as chief executive. A former student of Malay College Kuala Kangsar, he also founded INVOKE Malaysia in 2016 — a non-profit organisation focused on political, economic, and social issues — which later evolved into a commercial tech venture. Rafizi has submitted his resignation letter to the prime minister and will be using up the remainder of his annual leave until June 16, 2025. The resignation will take effect the next day. 'As is the practice in countries that uphold democratic principles, leaders who lose in party elections should make way for those who have won to take their place in government,' said Rafizi in a statement on Wednesday. Recently, Rafizi, who held the position of PKR deputy president, lost the party election to Anwar's daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar.
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Rafizi Ramli resigns as Economy Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who became the economy minister in December 2022, part of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Cabinet, is known for a myriad of initiatives to improve people's livelihoods. Foremost among his initiatives was the proposal to set up the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). He proposed the ambitious idea in May 2023 during a meeting with the Johor state government. Rafizi emphasised that a special economic zone could further boost business ecosystems and provide greater opportunities by tapping into the strengths of both regions. This is already paying dividends; in just two years, the JS-SEZ has emerged as an investment destination, attracting international companies and facilitating the establishment of data centres. In addition, he launched the People's Income Initiative, better known as Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR), in February 2023, aimed at increasing the income of the poorest households and the B40 group. Rafizi, who hails from Besut, Terengganu, also advocated for the classification of the T15 income group, which is set to replace the previous B40, M40 and T20 categories. The initiative was part of national planning and budgeting, especially under development and economic plans such as the 11th Malaysia Plan and the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030. The minister also heavily invested his time and effort in the development and implementation of the Central Database Hub (Padu). This was a data repository for all individuals and households comprising citizens and permanent residents in Malaysia, aimed at improving policy planning and data-driven programme implementation. However, the project came under criticism amid concerns that the public was compelled to register and disclose their financial and personal details. Rafizi was also involved in the implementation of the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35), as part of the government's strategy to advance Bumiputera development towards making Malaysia a leading regional economy. Before becoming a minister, the former chartered accountant served at Petronas from 2005 to 2009 as a Senior Manager in Business Planning, Operations and Petrochemical Transaction Technology, and later in Accounting, Budgeting and Taxation. He also held the position of General Manager at Pharmaniaga. Rafizi also led the Selangor Economic Advisory Office as chief executive. A former student of Malay College Kuala Kangsar, he also founded INVOKE Malaysia in 2016 — a non-profit organisation focused on political, economic, and social issues — which later evolved into a commercial tech venture. Rafizi has submitted his resignation letter to the prime minister and will be using up the remainder of his annual leave until June 16, 2025. The resignation will take effect the next day. 'As is the practice in countries that uphold democratic principles, leaders who lose in party elections should make way for those who have won to take their place in government,' said Rafizi in a statement on Wednesday. Recently, Rafizi, who held the position of PKR deputy president, lost the party election to Anwar's daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar. Following this, questions were raised regarding Rafizi's position in the Cabinet.
