Suaram Penang is challenging the people to see if a daily allowance of RM6 is enough to live on.

 

The programme "Poverty line challenge: Can you survive with RM6 per day?" is jointly organised with the Penang government in conjunction with the annual Local Democracy Festival this year.

 

Programme spokesperson Lee Chung Lun said the event will kick off on July 30 and end on Aug 3, and is open to all in Malaysia.

 

Lee said the programme is not to test a person’s ability to save money or to cope with hunger.

 

"It is a challenge to live like a poor person and we would like you to tell us how you feel when you have completed your mission," Lee said at a press conference today.

 

Lee cited a claim by Performance and Management Delivery Unit (Pemandu) CEO Idris Jala ( photo ) that poverty is almost wiped out in the country, as only one percent of Malaysians are poor.

 

Lee said the poverty line income fixed by the government is RM763 per household in Peninsular Malaysia.

 

"Can you imagine how hard it is for a household to survive on only RM763? This amount would have to take care of food, clothing, shelter, transport, communications, healthcare and education."

 

Lee welcomed participants planning to join the programme to share their feedback after the challenge if RM6 per day is "enough and reasonable".

 

He explained that participants will live as usual during the programme, but spend a maximum of RM30 for five days on food and drinks. They were also expected to minimise other expenses – such as for transportation, telecommunications and leisure activities.

Participants must record daily expenses

 

Participants have to write daily on their daily expenses, feelings and experiences throughout the five days and submit their report to Suaram Penang by Aug 8, 5pm.

 

On Aug 15, a prize giving ceremony will be held to announce the winner.

 

Lee ( photo ) said there will be three cash awards: (1) RM300 for most savings (2) RM300 for best involvement and (3) RM100 for most popular.

 

The first award will go to the one who spends the least on food and beverages during the five-day challenge, he disclosed.

 

The Most Popular Award will go for the participant who receives the most "Likes" on the organiser's Facebook Page.

 

"To win the Best Involvement Award, participants must show they made a lot of effort in minimising expenses, besides spending less on food and drinks," Lee said.

 

"For example, participants can take the bus or carpool to work instead of using their cars, or they can choose to reduce their use of phone calls or mobile data services," he explained.