Malaysia must focus on inclusive growth - World Bank

The World Bank has commended Malaysia for its strong progress in reducing poverty, particularly hardcore poverty, while noting that further improvements in education and health outcomes are crucial to support inclusive and equitable growth.

World Bank senior economist for poverty and equity Ririn Salwa Purnamasari said Malaysia’s achievements over the past generation are “undeniable,” with hardcore poverty now almost eliminated.

“Malaysia’s efforts in poverty and inequality reduction have been impressive.

“Hardcore poverty is now almost non-existent. The government’s target of eliminating hardcore poverty has essentially been met,” she said during a panel session at the 2025 National Public Service Reform Convention, held in Putrajaya today in conjunction with the Rancakkan Madani programme.

Ririn stressed that the country must now move beyond simply eradicating hardcore poverty and focus on ensuring broader and more equitable development.

“Malaysia’s success is not only about lifting people out of hardcore poverty. The country needs to have bigger ambitions,” she said.

Strong foundations in place

Ririn noted that Malaysia already has strong foundations in place, including high school enrolment, extensive healthcare coverage and the framework of the 13th Malaysia Plan.

“The next steps for Malaysia are not about doing more of everything, but about better connecting what Malaysia already has,” she said, adding that the nation is well-positioned to achieve an inclusive, high-income future.

“Malaysia is on track to reach high-income status. In the next few years, God willing, Malaysia will enter the high-income (nation) category,” she said.

Education director-general Azam Ahmad and celebrity doctor Dr Shazril Shaharuddin were also panellists during the 30-minute session.

The three-day Rancakkan Madani programme, which began yesterday, offers more than 300 public service touchpoints, a career carnival, interactive showcases, family entertainment and special promotions for visitors.

Organised by the Prime Minister’s Office through the Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit, the event targets 300,000 attendees.

- Bernama

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