Helping the poor won’t bankrupt govt, says Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim opened an entrepreneur scheme in Kelantan today, asserting that no nation has ever become impoverished through efforts to aid the poor. He emphasized that the government's financial health is not at risk from providing support to those in need, but rather, corruption, financial leakages, and misbehavior among leaders pose genuine threats to the economy.

Anwar stressed that assisting low-income groups is a crucial responsibility to ensure the equitable distribution of development benefits. His government recently allocated RM16 billion for the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) programs, alongside raises to civil servants' salaries and the minimum wage, all aimed at enhancing overall well-being.

Launching the scheme in Kelantan, Anwar warned against exploiting public wealth for select interests, particularly through corruption and greed. He pledged continued commitment to helping the needy while maintaining sound financial management and good governance. The government additionally granted about RM200 million to bolster small-scale entrepreneurs, especially those from low-income groups.

This financial aid can yield significant returns for traders when directed to meet their specific business needs, such as purchasing essential equipment like refrigerators to maintain stock.