Iskandar Malaysia Stresses On Developing People's Socio-Economy

20 May 2010 , By Bernama

The Iskandar Malaysia economic development region does not focus only on physical development but also stresses on developing the people's socio-economy.

Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) chief executive officer Ismail Ibrahim said the "1 Azam Programme" provides the foundation for hardcore poor to tap economic opportunities to increase their income.

"The poor will be briefed on the assistance and services offered by implementing agencies to change the mindset to make them more positive, confident and self reliant."

The "1 Azam Programme" proposed via the NKRA (National Key Result Areas) laboratory would focus on four main areas - business, agriculture, services and employment.

Ismail said areas to be covered include training and micro-credit facility to equip the poor to be self employed in the service sector.

Lead agencies include the Manpower Department, Jobs Malaysia, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, Agriculture Department, Fisheries Department and the Orang Asli Affairs Department.

He said the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry was the NKRA lead for the low income group aimed at improving their standard of living.

Iskandar Malaysia which covers 2,200 sq km or twice the size of Singapore comprises several districts in southern Johor.