KUCHING, 22 Sept: A holistic approach such as a multidimensional poverty index should be implemented by the government in response to tackling the matter of poor states in Malaysia.
According to Assistant Minister Of Education, Science And Technological Research Dr Annuar Rappee, the index are being practiced by the United Nations (UN) Development Programme to eradicate poverty and it consists of ten parameters.
“I prefer this multidimensional index as it is more holistic and it looks at different angles and not merely basing it on income,” Annuar said.
Among others, poverty is measured in terms of nutrition, education, and access to clean water and healthcare.
Annuar who is also the Assistant Minister Of Housing And Community Development added that through the index, assistance can be provided via health, education, housing and more – rather than monetary.
Additionally, as different areas require different necessity, the index will identify the focus of each location.
At the same time, Annuar raised concerns regarding dilapidated schools in Sarawak, stating that it should be completely eradicated by the end of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
According to him, there are about 1,020 dilapidated schools in Sarawak and of these numbers, half have been taken care of through the allocation by the state government.
However, he said, its progress is slow but with assistance from the federal government, the problem could be addressed more efficiently. – TVS
