Can’t remember the exact date I first discussed the need for Malaysia to have our own multidimensional poverty index (back in 2016) - but I do know it was during a conversation in Oxford University as part of the British High Commission’s International Leaders Programme.
Can’t believe here we are in 2021; and through the readiness and support of Professor Fatimah Kari, local Permatang Pauh enumerators, MPKKs, we were able to launch and implement the survey to measure MPI in my home constituency; as well as gauging a more realistic covid adjusted poverty line.
Poverty is not just about a lack of money. Understanding why people are poor requires considering as many factors as possible; such as access to healthcare, education, transportation, and basic amenities. No one indicator can capture the multiple aspects that constitute poverty, wellbeing or empowerment. This becomes all the more important when designing programmes and policies to alleviate poverty.
Credit to Jannah for forgetting to promo the MPI tee meant for all our special enumerators 🤣 and a shout out to Ziela who made time to provide feedback after a busy week, and day of covering, in total, almost 42 homes. Hasta la victoria siempre!
