Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today announced that by next year, the state will eradicate poverty.

NONE In 2009, Lim ( right ) has already announced that the state has managed to do away with hardcore poverty.

He said the state government was bringing the target forward from 2015.

To achieve it, he added that the minimum monthly household income will be raised from RM650 to RM770 per month.

"This surpasses the minimum poverty line of RM763 per month. If any household were to have an income less than this amount, we will top it up to RM770," he said, while tabling the state's 2013 budget in the state legislative assembly.

"Penang will then be the first state to eradicate poverty by next year".

Since midnight, Lim was seen poring over his budget speech, working in his office into the wee hours of the morning.

His special assistant Jeffrey Chew clocked out of Komtar only at about 2am. Their movements can be tracked via social networking site Facebook.

NONE At around 3am, Lim's political secretary Zairi Khir Johari uploads a photo of his boss still in the office on Facebook.

"Lim Guan Eng putting finishing touches to the historic Penang budget 2013," said Zairil of the DAP secretary-general.

When asked at roughly 2.19am, Chew said via blackberry chat "Historical budget and definitely earth shattering as well as surprises".

Lim has successfully tabled the budget at the Penang state legislative assembly today, with many waiting with bated breath to know what those surprises are.

In an immediate response, his opponents - Umno assemblypersons - have poured scorn over his announcement.

Teluk Bahang assemblyperson Hilmi Yahya said that Lim had previously announced the eradication of hardcore poverty.

"He said we have zero hardcore poverty. However, if we go to the ground, they are still those who are suffering from the situation,” said Hilmi at a press conference, accompanied by his comrades from the party.

“It looks like the CM has lied. It has already been four-five years and the state government is unable to handle this problem. He has taken the wrong approach,” he added.

Hilmi, who was former deputy chief minsiter prior to 2008, said that instead of topping up household expenses, it would be better to developed projects and programmes to help people increase their income.