The Roles of Non-State Actors in Eradicating Poverty in Malaysia

Abstract

The economic crisis further affects those with low incomes. While the most affected are the indigents in rural areas, the poor in urban areas are also not spared. Those in the urban area face a challenging life even though the economic scenario favours those living in the city. The urbanization rate increased rapidly with 63 percent of the population now live in urban areas, while the rate of poverty in urban areas continues to rise as per the cost of living, low income and issues. To further eradicate poverty, the government has implemented several poverty eradication programs in cities, which include welfare assistance and house rental payment. Aid was also given from the government agencies and those in private to eradicate poverty further. Among the agencies involved in combating urban poverty is Ikhtiar Malaysia, Islamic Relief, Poverty Eradication Foundation (YBK), the Selangor Zakat Board (LZS) and so on. Thus, the role and mobilization efforts of the NGOs are significant in aiding and abetting the government to eradicate poverty in Malaysia.