KUALA LUMPUR: The government will launch the Sejahtera Madani initiative today as part of efforts to eradicate hardcore poverty, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the initiative was a continuation of the government's commitment to supporting the hardcore poor and the poor, through joint efforts by the government and the corporate sector.

"Eradicating hardcore poverty has been my priority since the beginning. By the end of 2024, nearly 150,000 hardcore poor households were lifted out of poverty."

He said this during a special announcement yesterday that was broadcast live on television channels and social media.

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Anwar, who is finance minister, said the government had been improving assistance to the people to ease the burden of living expenses since the beginning of his tenure.

He said one of the most significant steps was the allocation of RM13 billion for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara), the largest such allocation in the nation's history.

"Cash assistance under the Social Welfare Department was increased to RM2.9 billion to boost the monthly welfare assistance for the elderly and children from poor families."

He said the government also empowered padi farmers by raising the padi floor price to RM1,500 this year, following increases in 2022 and 2023, and increasing the padi price subsidy scheme rate to RM500 in 2023.

In the commodity sector, he said the government increased the rubber production incentive to RM3 per kg last year, following increases in 2022 and 2023.

He announced a one-off RM100 cash aid to every adult citizen under the Sara programme, postponed the toll rate increase for 10 highways and lowered the RON95 price to RM1.99 per litre.

He said more initiatives would be introduced in the 2026 Budget in October.

"These are the measures for now. By the end of 2025, we hope to improve with a clearer commitment to provide benefits in the 2026 Budget in October."

He said the Madani government was committed to steering the country responsibly by introducing policies that guarantee the welfare of the people. — BERNAMA