KUCHING: The E-Kasih data on poverty in Sarawak does not reflect the situation in the state as there could be discrepancy in the data.
In a statement Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth said there are certainly more rural areas that would fall under the category.
“But just because these areas might not have internet reach or capabilities, households who fall under the poverty line cannot be registered or put into the system,” it said.
Also in response to the data which showed that the highest poverty rates were in Kuching, Serian and Simunjan, it pointed out that the three divisions could be considered semi urban with Kuching certainly urban being the capital city of the state.
“We do hope that this E-Kasih registration can be made easier for the respective agencies to do their work and go on the ground to measure the real situation, and we echo the statement by Martin Ben who said the data should be updated and verified,” it added.
It also explained that with the data at hand, the federal government should take action on reducing the poverty rate as it is their responsibility too.
“They cannot just mention mere numbers without taking affirmative measures to tackle the matter at hand.
“More funds should be given to the state to alleviate these households from their current status,” it added.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions), Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad had during a recent Dewan Rakyat meeting cited the database of e-Kasih, that more than 97,000 households in Sarawak live in poverty.
He said the three districts that showed the highest poverty rates were Kuching, Simunjan and Serian.
“Kuching had the highest number of households living in poverty, with 2,631 considered “hardcore poor” and 4,866 “poor”.
“Meanwhile, Simunjan had 2,417 “hardcore poor” and 2,529 “poor”, and Serian had 1,585 “hardcore poor” and 2,583 “poor”,” he said.
