Poverty is defined as a state or condition in which an individual or a group lacks the financial means and necessities for a basic level of living. Poverty is defined as a situation in which one's earnings from work are insufficient to meet fundamental human requirements.

According to Department of Statistics Malaysia, In 2020, paid employment and self employment which were the main sources of income recorded a decrease of negative 16.1 per cent and negative 9.7 per cent respectively. Thus, the mean of monthly household gross income decreased by negative 10.3 per cent to record RM7,089 as compared to RM7,901 in 2019. The decline was contributed by households or individuals who experienced loss or reduction of income particularly those with the status of employee, self-employed and others. Furthermore, this reduction of income was not only caused by job loss but also contributed by the reduction of working hours and increase in skill-related underemployment.

Based on the study, the number of poor households increased to 639.8 thousand households in 2020 as compared to 405.4 thousand households in 2019. The incidence of absolute poverty also increased from 5.6 per cent (2019) to 8.4 per cent. Meanwhile, the incidence of hardcore poverty is estimated to increase from 0.4 per cent (2019) to 1.0 per cent which involved 78.0 thousand households (2019: 27.2 thousand households). The incidence of absolute poverty by state shows that Sabah recorded the highest percentage of 25.3 per cent (2019: 19.5%). Kelantan recorded a significant increase in poverty by 8.8 percentage points to 21.2 per cent from 12.4 per cent (2019), followed by Terengganu by 5.9 percentage points to 12.0 per cent from 6.1 per cent (2019). If you think the number of the data is low, multiply the percentage by the population of Malaysia, which is around 32.37 million people. You'll notice that this problem has an enormous impact on so many people's lives.

According to the remark above, Malaysia's poverty problem is becoming more acute. If we do not seize every opportunity to overcome it, it will have a significant influence sooner or later. For example, the crime rate probably will increase. It also negatively impact the basic hygiene, which increase the transmission of diseases. Not to mention, children will most likely need to work to support their family. Also, they will be left behind in education as they can’t go to school. Other than that, poverty also will increase suicide rate.

Despite the fact that it may appear unattainable, the problem of poverty can still be addressed. Increasing job opportunities is one method to address these concerns. Other than that, the government can start to raise the minimum wage, provide more access for education and control the nation spending so it won't be spent on unnecessary thing. 

Before this issue getting worse and uncontrollable, I believe right now would be the right time to deal with the issue. Your signature on this petition will assist not just us, but also countless others who have suffered and continue to suffer as a result of it. As the saying goes, alone I can do so little, together, we can do so much. Lets aim for no poverty in Malaysia.