RM12 MLN ALLOCATED FOR PEKB 2026 TO DRIVE URBAN POVERTY ERADICATION - KPKT

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 13 (Bernama) -- A total of RM12 million has been allocated for the Urban Community Economic Empowerment Programme (PEKB), which is expected to benefit some 1,100 participants nationwide, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) said.

In a statement today, KPKT said the programme offered structured guidance through appointed non-governmental organisations (NGOs), training participants in high-potential areas drawn from 15 entrepreneurial fields, in line with current market demand and economic opportunities.

“KPKT continues to be given the mandate to implement PEKB throughout the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), as part of the government’s commitment to eradicating urban poverty among those registered and verified in the eKasih system.

“The programme aims to build participants’ capabilities through entrepreneurship and targeted training skills, enabling them to generate more sustainable income, improve their quality of life, and reduce their reliance on government assistance,” the statement said.

During the handover of the PEKB 2026 Implementation Approval Letter to the appointed NGOs, KPKT secretary-general Datuk Dr M Noor Azman Taib said the programme provided participants with opportunities to work their way out of poverty and eventually become independent, reducing their reliance on government assistance.

Previously, under the 12th Malaysia Plan, the PEKB Programme directly benefited 5,424 participants from the B40 group, with a total allocation of RM55 million channelled in phases and in a targeted manner.

KPKT also said the implementation of PEKB 2026 reflected the MADANI Government’s continued commitment to empowering target groups in a comprehensive, focused and high-impact manner, making the programme a key catalyst for efforts to sustainably eradicate urban poverty.

--BERNAMA