Suhaizan said, if given the mandate to represent the people of Pulai, he would ensure each federal and state government initiative is channelled to the target groups effectively.

He said contributing factors to poverty include health issues and a lack of employment opportunities.

“A health problem could mean a person is unable to work and is, therefore, unable to earn an income.

“Meanwhile, people with fewer skills also have less chance of getting a job, so we will ensure assistance reaches the target groups,” he told reporters after a Merdeka Day celebration organised by the villagers of Kampung Pengkalan Merin in Pulai.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim previously announced that the government intends to eradicate hardcore poverty nationwide by this year.

In the Pulai by-election, Suhaizan will face Zulkifli Jaafar of Perikatan Nasional and independent candidate Samsudin Fauzi.

The Pulai parliamentary by-election and Simpang Jeram state by-election are being held following the death of the incumbent, former Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub on July 23.

The Election Commission has set Sept 5 for early voting and Sept 9 for polling for both by-elections.