Kangar: Perlis has achieved zero hardcore poverty status based on the national poverty database e-Kasih as of December 31 last year, joining four other states that have successfully eradicated hardcore poverty, said the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail. Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin highlighted a range of initiatives and business grants provided to communities as essential measures helping them take the first step out of the cycle of poverty.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, His Royal Highness urged the Menteri Besar, state assemblymen, and the Perlis government to continue engaging with the people on the ground to ensure hardcore poverty remains at zero and to assist the populace in breaking free from poverty. He called on all government agencies and NGOs with grants or assistance programs to intensify their efforts, actively seek out suitable participants interested in starting businesses, and provide guidance to further develop the state.
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin made these remarks during the opening of the Perlis State Legislative Assembly sitting at the State Assembly Complex. Present at the event were the Raja Perempuan of Perlis Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Almarhum Tengku Abdul Rashid, the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and Raja Puan Muda Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil.
The Ruler also highlighted the state’s recent progress, emphasizing Perlis’s growing appeal to tourists under the Visit Perlis Year 2024-2025 campaign. Last year, Perlis welcomed 2.99 million visitors from within and outside Malaysia, showcasing the notable advancement of the state’s tourism products and industry. This growth has positively impacted the food and hospitality sectors, and His Royal Highness expressed pride in the subjects who have capitalized on the opportunity to establish beautiful and uniquely designed hotels and homestays.
Furthermore, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin congratulated the Kangar Municipal Council (MPK) for being one of 18 local authorities awarded the Smart City Malaysia Level 1 status, “Smart City Early Adopter,” on October 28 last year. He stated that this recognition marks only the beginning, with Perlis aiming for full smart city status across four levels: Early Adopter, Developing Smart City, Leading Smart City, and Visionary Smart City.