Society

In 2022, Malaysia’s absolute poverty rate stood at 6.2%, while hardcore poverty affected 0.7% of households. The poverty line was set at RM2,589 monthly household income. Rural areas experienced higher poverty rates (12.4%) compared to urban areas (3.4%) due to uneven development. Initiatives like the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 aim to reduce poverty and inequality across all regions and communities​.

Research highlights that poverty in Malaysia goes beyond income levels, involving challenges like urbanization, an ageing population, and social inequity. Sustainable interventions are essential to ensure long-term reductions in poverty​. (Ministry of Economy (2012) , The ASEAN Magazine (2015)).

Effective poverty alleviation strategies in Malaysia include expanding social protection programs, improving education access, and fostering rural development. For example, the eKasih database identifies low-income households for targeted financial aid, while initiatives like income-generation programs support economic independence​.

Additionally, addressing multidimensional poverty requires tackling issues such as social exclusion and environmental degradation. Urbanization often displaces vulnerable communities, while an ageing population presents challenges in ensuring equitable access to healthcare and social services. Collaborative efforts between government, private sectors, and NGOs are critical to reducing disparities and ensuring sustainable development​.