Impact of the Hardcore Poverty Eradication Program (BMT) among the Beneficiariesin Perlis

Abstract

The hardcore poor in Malaysia, including the homeless, street beggars and those living in severe hardship, earn below the Poverty Line Income (PLI) of RM1,169 per month, making them highly vulnerable to risks in health, safety, and poverty. Since the introduction of the New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1971, Malaysia has made significant strides in reducing poverty. By 1990, the poverty rate had dropped to 15.1%, exceeding NEP’s target, and efforts continued with subsequent policies, including the National Development Policy (NDP) and Malaysia’s five-year development plans. To address ongoing poverty issues, the Malaysian government has introduced various programs which provide financial aid and tangible assets to those in need. These programs aim to increase household incomes, reduce poverty, and improve living standards. The Hardcore Poverty Eradication Program (BMT), part of the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12), aims to eliminate hardcore poverty by 2025. Launched in 2022, this nationwide initiative targets over 130,000 heads of households and is being implemented in four phases. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) plays a key role in profiling and monitoring participants in Perlis, Kedah, and Penang. This article will explain the monitoring activities that are taking place exclusively in the Hardcore Poverty Eradication Program (BMT) for the state of Perlis. In Perlis, three localities were selected for Phase 1 of the BMT program: Kampung Batu Bertangkup, Kampung Sungai Berembang, and Kampung Syed Omar. As of August 2024, nearly all participants had received aid in the form of equipment to support their incomegenerating activities. Overall, the BMT program reflects a comprehensive effort by the government to uplift the hardcore poor, providing both financial and practical support to enable sustainable income generation and improve quality of life.