Over 1.2 Million Malaysians Living in Poverty: A Government Report

As of November 2025, Malaysia's population is estimated at 34.3 million, with over 1.2 million individuals classified as living in poverty. Datuk Mustapha, the Minister of Economy, reported that Sabah has the highest number of impoverished individuals at 254,303, followed by Kelantan with 239,850 and Terengganu at 117,159. Other states with significant poverty figures include Sarawak (103,968), Kedah (91,768), Perak (79,455), Selangor (65,177), Pahang (47,837), Penang (44,852), Perlis (40,620), and Johor (39,022). States with lower poverty counts are Negeri Sembilan (29,591), Melaka (25,647), Kuala Lumpur (17,885), and the federal territories of Labuan (7,786) and Putrajaya (75).

The categorization of poverty in Malaysia is based on household per capita income, utilizing a calculation formula provided by the Economy Ministry. Hardcore poverty is defined by the current Poverty Line Income, which is periodically revised to account for changes in the cost of living, food prices, inflation rates, and location-specific expenses. Mustapha emphasized that poverty measurement is not static and must be continuously reviewed to reflect ongoing economic conditions.

In response to inquiries from Jeli MP Zahari Kechik regarding the number of poor and hardcore poor households listed under eKasih, Malaysia's poverty data system, Mustapha outlined the government's ongoing initiatives aimed at eradicating hardcore poverty. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to address the socioeconomic challenges faced by the nation.

While the government has outlined its strategies, there are concerns regarding the effectiveness and reach of these initiatives. Critics argue that despite the reported figures, the measures taken may not adequately address the root causes of poverty, particularly in rural areas where economic opportunities are limited.

In a parliamentary reply dated January 29, Mustapha stated, “The government recognises that poverty measurement cannot be considered static and must be continuously reviewed according to ongoing context.” This statement underscores the government's acknowledgment of the dynamic nature of poverty and its commitment to adapting its strategies accordingly.

There are no significant discrepancies in the reported poverty figures across the sources. However, the effectiveness of the government's initiatives remains a point of contention, with some critics questioning the sufficiency of the measures in place to significantly reduce poverty levels.

Moving forward, the Malaysian government is expected to continue refining its poverty measurement methods and enhancing its initiatives to combat poverty, particularly in the most affected states. The ongoing evaluation of these programs will be crucial in determining their success in alleviating poverty in Malaysia.