Kuala lumpur: The World Bank has commended Malaysia for its strong progress in reducing poverty, particularly hardcore poverty, while noting that further improvements in education and health outcomes are crucial to support inclusive and equitable growth. World Bank senior economist for poverty and equity Dr. Ririn Salwa Purnamasari said Malaysia’s achievements over the past generation are ‘undeniable,’ with hardcore poverty now almost eliminated.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Ririn emphasized Malaysia’s impressive efforts in poverty and inequality reduction during a panel session at the 2025 National Public Service Reform Convention, held in conjunction with the Rancakkan MADANI programme. She highlighted that the government’s target on eliminating hardcore poverty has essentially been met. Dr. Ririn stressed the importance of moving beyond simply eradicating hardcore poverty to focus on ensuring broader and more equitable development.
Dr. Ririn pointed out that Malaysia already has strong foundatio
ns, including high school enrolment, extensive healthcare coverage, and the framework of the 13th Malaysia Plan. She mentioned that the next steps for Malaysia involve better connecting existing resources to achieve an inclusive, high-income future. She expressed confidence that Malaysia is on track to reach high-income status within the next few years.
Education director-general Dr. Mohd Azam Ahmad and celebrity doctor Dr. Shazril Shaharuddin also participated as panellists in the 30-minute session. The Rancakkan MADANI programme, which spans three days, began yesterday and offers more than 300 public service touchpoints, a career carnival, interactive showcases, family entertainment, and special promotions for visitors.
Organised by the Prime Minister’s Office through the Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit (PACU), the event aims to attract 300,000 attendees. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate the closing ceremony tomorrow at 11 am. Rancakkan MADANI builds upon the im
pact of the One Year with the MADANI Government and Two Years with the MADANI Government programmes, continuing the tradition of reporting government achievements directly to the people annually. Simultaneously, the 2025 National Public Service Reform Convention gathers policy experts from the public sector and industry players.