The government must grant special attention to the urban poor and the low-income families in the country when formulating the 9th Malaysia Plan, and a national seminar next week aims to provide feedback on this.

Scheduled for April 19 in Kuala Lumpur, the seminar on 'Urban Poor and Low-Income Families' will discuss, among others, effective ways of addressing rural and urban poverty, the complexities involved, access and delivery of services, and capacity-building for poor families.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will be delivering a key-note address.

The seminar is jointly organised by the Social Strategic Foundation (YSS), MIC's social work wing, and the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (Asli).

According to the YSS, the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) has defined low-income families as those with a monthly household income of less than RM1,500.

"Crime, violence and family break-ups create a vicious cycle for millions of Malaysians of all races in this segment," read its seminar flyer obtained via e-mail.

"This group, considered the largest number of Malaysian households, sits in a sort of no-man's land without adequate facilities, support and services."

On the panel

The ministerial panel will comprise Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Dr Maximus Ongkili (photo left), Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister G Palanivel.

Among the speakers who will lead discussions on access and delivery of public services are EPU director-general Raja Zaharaton Raja Zainal Abidin, Implementation Coordination Unit deputy dirtector-general (operations) Ahmad Said and YSS executive director Dr Denison Jayasooria.

Women's Aid Organisation executive director Ivy Josiah, Pengasih Malaysia president Mohd Yunus Pathi, Metro Kajang Holdings Bhd managing director Eddy Chen and a representative from the Royal Malaysian Police will give the social perspective.

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Ruslin Hasan, Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry deputy secretary-general David Chua, Universiti Sains Malaysia urban governance expert Dr Goh Ban Lee and Group of Concerned Citizens co-ordinator Charles Santiago have been slated to speak on poverty alleviation.

About 200 participants are expected to attend the one-day seminar.