As a consumer advocate with a track record of more than three decades, I cannot but fully support Deputy Premier Najib Razak's recent observations that a concerted effort must be made to address the growing problem of rural and urban poverty irrespective of racial origin.

He pointed out that effective strategies and master-plans must be implemented to address the problem, from a truly Malaysian perspective. His comments come in the midst of recent controversies and anxieties over issues of polarisation and the increased disparities nationwide.

The dilapidated, harsh living conditions of the various marginalised communities clearly show that some of our elected representatives, local politicos and local government agencies may have neglected the very demographics they were set up to address.

We should not forget that apart from Kampung Medan and its surrounding areas, there are other similar areas nationwide with their own wooden houses with rusty, corrugated zinc roofs, small and illegal workshops, garbage-strewn narrow streets and poor social environment with their fair share of gangsters, drug addicts, juvenile delinquency, fights, social problems and even incest.

It is moments like this when we have to truly ask why valuable financial resources made available by the government have not been used to address these community woes.

From time to time, we are exposed to the countless wastage of public funds on projects and exercises which do not serve any purpose, except to stroke the egos of certain local politicos or local government managements.

And when community-based groups, whistleblowers and individuals address this wastage, they are labelled as self appointed 'no-gooders' instead of being welcomed for their public spirit - a spirit badly needed in an age where personal greed for illegal wealth accumulation and political position overrides all.

As far as excess public funds are concerned, would it not be better to instead divert this valuable funding to both rural and urban troubled areas the likes of Kampung Medan?

I am saddened with the structural and implementation weaknesses of the usual master plans initiated to address various socio-economic imbalances and inequalities which include the lack of adequate housing, education and credit opportunities for businesses.

If implemented religiously, with holistic audits done by independent third parties, these plans should be able to address urban poverty, prevent the repeat of past violent episodes and prevent the possibility of these issues being exploited by any quarter.

The time has come for all of us to 'turun padang' to initiate various socio-economic programmes that will address the needs of all communities.

And in view of the presence of many foreigners in many such urban settlements, perhaps the time is right for a government-appointed task force with the assistance of community-based groups to conduct a federal census inspection (FCI) to ascertain the number of such foreign and illegal colonies in the country.

And in view of the alleged involvement of such groups in recent clashes and in the increase of crime, action must be taken to immediately deport such groups in the interest of national security.

The writer is president, Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam (Cassa).