Do you know how much income per month will be classified as poverty income by the government?
The government has adjusted the definition of poverty income (PGK) in 2019, which means that a monthly income of RM2208 is the poverty line. Households earning less than RM2208 will be classified as poor households.
The government set the poverty line at RM980 in 2016 and raised it to RM2208 in 2019, and will continue to use the poverty line of RM2208 in the 12th Malaysia Plan.
The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development is still using the RM908 poverty line for social assistance but will start using RM2208 for social assistance in 2022. Families with incomes below RM2208 can apply for assistance from the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development. The Ministry will assess the conditions and circumstances of the applicant before deciding on the assistance to be granted.
The government will have to spend an additional RM3 billion after the new poverty line standard is adopted next year.
