Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s bustling capital known for its iconic skyline and thriving economy, has long been a symbol of development and progress.
However, behind the city’s glamour lies a stark reality: it is home to the highest number of hardcore poor households in the nation.
According to data as of late November, Kuala Lumpur tops the list for hardcore poverty in Malaysia.
KL Tops the List for Hardcore Poverty
The data from Rnggt revealed that Kuala Lumpur leads in the number of households struggling with extreme poverty.
These households fall under the “hardcore poor” category, defined as having a monthly income below RM500.00 or a per capita income below RM100.00.
Following closely are Kedah with 341 households, Sabah with 289, and Johor with 275 households in the same category.
Despite being economic hubs, these states are grappling with similar challenges of urban poverty.
Widening Urban-Rural Disparities
While urban regions face heightened living costs and limited income growth, rural states like Sarawak (58,877 individuals) and Kelantan (58,684 individuals) recorded the highest numbers of people categorized as poor in Malaysia.
The pressures of urbanization in cities like Kuala Lumpur further exacerbate monthly expenses, leaving families with little to no savings.
The Bright Spots: Regions with Zero Hardcore Poor
Not all states are facing the same challenges. Encouragingly, Putrajaya, Melaka, Perlis, and Negeri Sembilan reported zero cases of hardcore poverty.
This success is attributed to effective initiatives that create economic opportunities and increase household incomes.
Other regions with significantly lower poverty rates include Putrajaya (38 individuals), Labuan (1,772), Melaka (9,306), and Negeri Sembilan (11,604).
Vulnerable Groups Most Affected
The data also highlighted the groups most impacted by extreme poverty, including women, the elderly, persons with disabilities (PWD), and youth.
These vulnerable populations often face compounded challenges, making it harder to escape the cycle of poverty.
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