Sarawak adopts RM1,198 poverty line to qualify households for state welfare aid

AI Summary

Sarawak has aligned its welfare assistance schemes with the national poverty line of RM1,198, raising it from the previous RM990. This change, endorsed by the state cabinet, benefits more families by ensuring consistency between state and federal aid programmes. Minister Fatimah Abdullah stated that those with household incomes below RM1,198 qualify for assistance, covering various categories like senior citizens, children, and the disabled. The state's General Assistance scheme will support those who don't meet federal criteria.