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withdraw their savings at 55, and it could probably last for less than three
years. Meanwhile, the majority of single mothers and PWD depend on daily
wages for their income. The delay in the court process, and the reluctance
of former husbands to pay alimony have also caused hardships for single
mothers who have custody of children.
On the other hand, the indigenous communities who are the most
vulnerable group still rely on the jungle for food sources and maintain their
way of life. Restriction of access to such areas has affected their wellbeing
and survival. Some have also been arrested for entering the jungle without
a permit and licence. Participants also highlighted that a large number
of Orang Asal in Sarawak do not have birth certificates and identity cards
due to various reasons, namely, failure in fulfilling the requirements of the
National Registration Department (NRD), insufficient access to registration
offices and facilities, inability to pay the processing fee and transportation
cost. The requirement for parents to produce identification cards and
marriage certificates in registering their children’s births is difficult because
most do not have these documents. Additionally, they have limited access
to education, healthcare services and are also excluded from poverty
eradication programs.
Concerns were also raised about the lack of infrastructure and
development facilities, particularly internet connection and basic amenities
such as electricity, clean water, healthcare, access to roads in the rural
areas in Sabah and Sarawak.
SUHAKAM recommends that the definition of poverty and the poverty line
income take into account human rights aspects that significantly affect
poverty. SUHAKAM recommends using the Multidimensional Poverty Index
(MPI) to calculate Malaysia’s poverty rate. A more accurate calculation of
poverty will enable policy-makers to identify and target poverty-alleviation
programmes to households, groups, and individuals who require assistance
and support.
3. NATIONAL UNITY ACTION PLAN 2021-2025
The government is developing a National Unity Action Plan 2021-2025.
SUHAKAM provided its inputs for the action plan and participated in
the discussion held on 11 August. SUHAKAM believes that meaningful
enjoyment of human rights must be based on the participation of holders of
human rights in any processes that may impact their well-being. SUHAKAM
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