Kuala lumpur: The national hardcore poverty rate recorded a decline to 0.09 per cent (pct) last year compared to 0.2 pct the previous year, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the decrease meant only about 7,000 individuals were classified as hardcore poor nationwide.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Amir Hamzah highlighted that the success in reducing the poverty rate was the result of the MADANI Government’s continuous efforts through various methods and initiatives. “There are only three states where we still see hardcore poor and we will work to reduce it,” he stated. He also mentioned the introduction of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) to align their efforts, emphasizing that the focus is not only on finances but also on the overall facilities available to the people. “There have been many good improvements in the data we are seeing,” he added.

Amir Hamzah made these remarks when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill (Budget) 2026 at the policy stage for the Ministry of Finance in the Dewan Rakyat today. He stressed that the Bumiputera Empowerment Agenda has never been sidelined by the government. In fact, through the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35), the agenda is being implemented across all ministries and agencies.

Amir Hamzah further explained that in executing this agenda, the government is adopting a whole-of-nation approach, involving not only the government but also various agencies. “As a result, the implementation of the Bumiputera Empowerment Agenda to date has shown good progress,” he said.