SHAH ALAM, Feb 20 — National-level coordination is crucial to tackle urban poverty effectively, ensuring aid reaches eligible recipients without overlapping with other forms of assistance.
Selangor Zakat Board (LZS) chief executive officer Mohd Khaidzir Shahari believes the establishment of a dedicated ministry or agency could strengthen efforts to address urban poverty in a more comprehensive manner.
“The creation of a centralised unit would provide authority for monitoring and resolution, facilitate thorough record checks, and ensure aid does not overlap.
“If such a central unit is established, we (LZS) would welcome collaboration with the ministry to enhance coordination of aid. At the same time, the work of tracking and surveying asnaf will continue as part of the institution’s functions and responsibilities,” he said.
On January 28, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari proposed that the government establish a dedicated ministry or central agency to address urban poverty more comprehensively.
The Gombak MP expressed concern that efforts to assist the urban poor risk merely treating the symptoms without addressing the root causes if there is no dedicated focus.
Commenting on LZS' direction, Khaidzir said the agency aims to prevent marginalised groups from remaining trapped in the cycle of poverty, which can be addressed through an integrated approach.
He believes that integrated planning by the state government, guided by population density patterns, migration trends, and socio-economic factors, can help unravel these issues.
He added that LZS seeks to ensure that aid is provided according to the actual needs of applicants, in line with the state’s goal of improving living standards and lifting them out of the asnaf category.
