24-07-2025
Promising step in helping the poor
PETALING JAYA: Long-term planning and transparency is needed to ensure the impact of the Sejahtera Madani initiative is sustained and credible, say observers.
The initiative to galvanise public support to combat hardcore poverty, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, surpassed its RM50mil target by collecting RM120mil in corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions, which will be channelled to poor and hardcore poor households under the eKasih database.
Fomca chief executive officer Saravanan Thambirajah called the effort a 'promising step' in public-private collaboration.
'Raising RM120mil clearly reflects the strength of Malaysia's collective will to address poverty and rising living costs.
'This success should be viewed as a scalable model that complements the government's social protection framework,' he said when contacted yesterday.
He also cautioned that risks such as fund misuse, exclusion of deserving recipients and overlapping aid must be addressed.
'Programmes like this must go beyond image-driven CSR and instead empower communities through skills training and job placement, not just relief.'
What A Waste food rescue NGO co-founder Alvin Chen said the overwhelming response to Sejahtera Madani was 'incredibly heartening'.
'This confirms what we've seen on the ground, that Malaysians care deeply. People are not indifferent to poverty. They're hungry to be part of something meaningful,' he said.
Chen added that targeted aid, when sustained and managed well, could be transformative.
'We've seen how consistent support – meals, education help or small business aid – can uplift lives.
'But sporadic aid raises hope and then deepens despair. Programmes must be continuous, compassionate and community-driven.'
He also urged the government to channel funds directly to grassroots organisations.
'We are the first responders, closest to the pain, yet often the last to receive support. Empowering the rakyat means empowering those who serve them too.'
Meanwhile, Suriana Welfare Society chairman Dr James Nayagam stressed the need for independent oversight.
'We must ensure the funds are fairly and transparently distributed. An independent board of trustees should manage the fund, not just government agencies,' he said.
James warned of Malaysia's past failures flagged in Auditor-General reports, and called for public reporting of disbursement records.
'It must be documented and displayed for all to see. If managed properly, this initiative can succeed but only if integrity and accountability remain at its core.'
