Negeri Sembilan can Maintain Zero Hardcore Poverty status This Year - Ppnns

SEREMBAN, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- The Negeri Sembilan State Development Office (PPNNS) is optimistic that the state will continue to maintain its zero extreme poverty status this year despite 120 out of the 3,530 heads of household (KIR) returning to that category, so far.

PPNNS director Roslan Mat Nong said they have implemented various measures, including collaborating with companies offering employment opportunities or with aid agencies to help them start businesses to increase their income sources.

"So far, not many have returned to the hardcore poverty category. The latest data shows only 120 KIR, and this figure is temporary... not many have transitioned into hardcore poverty; they are mostly in the poor category.

"We still have time and we will implement long-term measures to help them get out of the hardcore poverty category... we don't want to just provide a one-off assistance but we'd rather they generate their own income," he said at a function with the media here today.

He added that PPNNS is studying the profiles of these households to determine whether they are productive or not before providing any assistance.

Roslan said they are also discussing with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to maintain the electricity rebate of RM40 for 12 months for nearly 500 hardcore poor households who moved into the poor category as of the end of last year.

He said this initiative should be considered as the hardcore poor households are in the process of transitioning to the poverty level and may not be stable yet if assistance is withdrawn.

"Early discussions have received a positive response. We are the first state to take this initiative (to maintain the electricity rebate) because we realise its importance.

"This is something that needs to be looked at comprehensively, not only by TNB but also by other aid agencies," he said.

On Dec 22, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun announced that Negeri Sembilan had achieved the target of zero extreme poverty involving a total of over 3,530 KIR earlier than scheduled through various initiatives mobilised through the PPNNS.

-- BERNAMA