iyliamarsya@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: Government agencies must break free from working in silos to address increasingly complex social challenges, says Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Shamsul was speaking at the Social Synergy Congress, where he praised the Social Synergy Programme, an initiative under the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) that works with various stakeholders to deliver aid to those in need.

"In facing increasingly complex social challenges, we can no longer work in silos. We must break free from the culture of agency exclusivity and embrace a collaborative system culture," he said.

Featured Videos

He described the Social Synergy Programme as a "holistic and inclusive intervention approach" and a "strategic solution framework" that brings together the strengths of the government, government-related bodies, government-linked companies (GLCs), the private sector, and NGOs.

This multi-agency approach helps to empower and save lives, and aligns with the integrated approach he often emphasises in public service reform, he said.

He added that the programme reflects the Madani government's approach to making social policies more humane, responsive, and people-centred.

Shamsul said these reforms also align with the prime minister's call to tackle poverty through multi-dimensional efforts involving both governmental and non-governmental actors, as outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

The government has allocated over RM20 billion for poverty eradication under the 13MP.

The plan outlines four key pillars: enhancing economic complexity, increasing social mobility, accelerating public service reform, and improving the wellbeing of people and environmental sustainability.

"Under the pillar of increasing social mobility, emphasis is placed on strengthening inclusive development and improving the socio-economic status of target groups, while ensuring balanced progress between urban and rural areas," he said.

According to data from the Prime Minister's Department's Implementation Coordination Unit, there were 390,000 household heads categorised as poor as of Dec 31, 2024, with 1,800 families in the hardcore poor category.