GEORGE TOWN: Penang is expected to record zero hardcore poverty come June 1, this year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it was a proud achievement seeing as how the federal government has been focusing on eradicating hardcore poor.
"Focus is given on hardcore poor families. With cooperation between the state government and Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU), it (the issue of hardcore poverty) has been resolved within a month.
"This means that come June 1, Penang will record zero hardcore poverty. This is a proud achievement," he said.
He was met after a briefing on Penang's development at the Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow's office in Komtar here today.
At the briefing session, Anwar also approved an instant RM11 million allocation to repair the Bayan Lepas rural clinic.
Besides that, Anwar said they also touched on various of the state's development.
"The chief minister and the state government raised several issues that needed to be prioritised and what is important is that the state government knows that the federal government is also aware of some projects.
"Decisions have also been made, among which the Penang International Airport (PIA) project needed be expedited because it is already too crowded and has been delayed for a long time.
"Similarly, the light rail transit (LRT) project is being expedited, with the help of the federal government, according to our plan," he added.
Meanwhile, Anwar said emphasis is also placed on the state government's implementation of driving economic growth involving high-capacity sectors that received international recognition.
''Our task is to work together between state agencies and the federal government and also emphasise on business at the grassroots level so that the people below also have the opportunity to enjoy together the very proud progress in Penang.
"We also raised the issue of agriculture, fishing which the federal government will also focus on," he said.
