He added that 1,946 household heads, who were in the hardcore poor group as at the end of last year, have boosted their income to come out of the category.

However, he said hardcore poverty is a subjective matter and it could change in the future, adding that the state government will continue to monitor the situation.

“When we had data showing the number of people falling under the hardcore poor group, we asked the state development office to monitor the situation and see what we can do to help them,” he told reporters here.

According to Wan Rosdy, 4,968 households were recorded as hardcore poor as of Jan 3, 2023, and this figure had dropped to 1,946 households on Dec 31.

He said the achievement was the result of the collaborative efforts of various agencies from the federal and state governments.

“The state government channels the Pahang Prihatin aid, the I-Push micro-entrepreneur financing scheme, and the Pahang people’s housing aid.

“Health cards were also among the contributing factors that helped lift them out of the vicious cycle of poverty,” he said.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was previously quoted as saying that the unity government intended to eradicate hardcore poverty nationwide.