Poverty in Penang: A Reality Check
The Penang Hindu Association (PHA) has disputed a report claiming that hardcore poverty has been nearly eradicated in Penang, stating that many families are still struggling to survive as costs continue to rise.
A Tough Reality
According to PHA’s president, P Murugiah, poverty is so severe in Penang that poor families are giving up their children to other parties as they cannot afford to care for them. "The severity of this situation can be seen when parents are forced to send their children to orphanages because they cannot afford to raise them," he said. "Some of these families have up to eight children. The women, family, and community development ministry must identify these families and provide advice on family planning to match their financial circumstances."
A Growing Concern
Murugiah emphasized that poverty is a growing concern in Penang, with many people struggling to make ends meet. "Many people are still struggling due to hardcore poverty and the number of urban poor is on the upward trend," he said. He invited politicians to see these real-life cases at the regular charity events PHA holds, adding that some families were living on just one meal a day. "We invite policymakers who are sceptical of these claims to attend our charity aid sessions to see the real situation at the grassroots level."
In Contrast to Official Figures
Murugiah was responding to a Penang Institute report last October which claimed that hardcore poverty "has been virtually eliminated" in the state. However, the state government-funded think tank said relative poverty remained high, affecting at least 10% of households in Penang. The highest absolute poverty rate in Penang as of 2022 was 3.7% in Seberang Perai Utara, while the Barat Laut district recorded the lowest at 0.7%, the report said.
Government Strategies Fall Short
Murugiah believes that government strategies and initiatives to address urban poverty need to be expedited, and cash aid alone will not solve the problem. "The government must address the root causes of poverty, including rising costs and access to affordable housing," he said. He added that PHA is holding a back-to-school program, providing vouchers worth RM150 to 120 students from low-income families to help them buy school supplies. "This is aimed at helping children stay in school without feeling ashamed of not having essential items like uniforms and shoes," he said.
Conclusion
The reality of poverty in Penang is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. While official figures may suggest that hardcore poverty has been eradicated, the experiences of many families on the ground paint a different picture. It is crucial that the government and other stakeholders work together to address the root causes of poverty and provide adequate support to those in need.
FAQs
Q: What is the current state of poverty in Penang?
A: According to the Penang Hindu Association, poverty is still a significant issue in Penang, with many families struggling to make ends meet.
Q: What is the definition of hardcore poverty?
A: Hardcore poverty refers to a situation where a family or individual cannot afford basic necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing.
Q: What is the government’s stance on poverty in Penang?
A: The Penang government has claimed that hardcore poverty has been eradicated, but the Penang Hindu Association disputes this, citing the struggles of many families on the ground.
Q: What is being done to address poverty in Penang?
A: The Penang Hindu Association is holding a back-to-school program, providing vouchers to low-income families to help them buy school supplies. The government has also implemented various initiatives to address urban poverty, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem.