Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today instructed the Finance Ministry to eradicate hardcore poverty within the next five years

The premier, who is also finance minister, called on the ministry to pay serious attention to tackling poverty and problems besieging low-income earners.

Speaking at the ministry's monthly meeting, he said besides ensuring the country's economy was managed prudently, poverty among the people should not be ignored as it was an obligation

"We must work seriously (to eliminate poverty), it is an obligation that must be pursued vigorously to wipe out poverty because poverty can lead to loss of faith.

"It's our obligation and struggle to eradicate poverty," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Stimulating the economy

Abdullah said the government had always provided facilities for the poor and low-income earners to increase their earnings to lead a better life.

He also urged the ministry staff to support sectors that could help stimulate economic growth.

The premier singled out agriculture as one sector with great potential to contribute significantly to the national economy apart from creating new avenues for additional income for the people.

"We must have strategies and programmes to generate activities that can stimulate the economy. Sectors with promising growth prospects like agriculture must be supported strongly," he said.

Abdullah said the manpower aspect must also be given serious emphasis in efforts to create a learned younger generation.

"The manpower sector should be given attention because we want our younger generation to acquire skills so that they can contribute to the country's development," he added.