Malaysia government spends close to US$428m in aid

About 473,928 recipients from low income groups benefited from the government's 1Azam programme, an effort to fight poverty.

In a news release, the government reported that the involvement of 80,579 people in the 1Azam programme shows its effectiveness as a strategic effort to eradicate poverty, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said the programme which started in 2010, targeted the involvement of the low-income group from all communities including the Indians, Orang Asli and Bumiputeras.

Najib, who is also acting as Women, Family and Community Development Minister, said the ministry through the Social Welfare Department had spent RM1.35 billion, around US$428.3m, to provide aid to 473,928 recipients nationwide.

"This number includes 52,022 people from the Indian community, 1,396 Orang Asli and 2,323 from other minority groups," he said.

To a question from Fong Po Kuan, Najib replied that as minister responsible for the ministry, he was committed to seeing social development moving in tandem with the nation's economic development.

"My leading the ministry enables me to implement more initiatives which directly benefit those in need of assistance at the grassroot level.

"I hope that all other relevant government agencies and concerned parties like non-governmental organisations, the corporate sector, academics and members of society will work together with me to raise the social development and prosperity of Malaysians," he said.