Kuala Lumpur - Amanah Saham shares worth RM100mil will be given to the hardcore poor in urban areas to help them make ends meet, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said the Government was compiling a list of those eligible for the shares.

"Poverty is not restricted to rural areas only. The poor in urban areas also need assistance," Najib said before breaking fast with the people at the Al-Bukhary Mosque here yesterday.

The event sponsored by the Al-Bukhary Foundation attracted about 4,000 people from all walks of life. Najib also called on government agencies, the private sector and philanthropists to help the poor in urban as well as rural areas.

He also said there was a need to redefine hardcore poverty in urban areas.

"Those earning RM2,000 may live comfortably in rural areas, but not in urban areas."

Najib also acknowledged that poverty was one of the main issues affecting Muslims. The Government had also started a public housing project called Projek Perumahan Rakyat for the urban poor, he said.

The first phase of the units would be sold on Oct 10 in the Federal Territory.

"This is something that people have been waiting for. Efforts to address poverty in urban as well as rural areas will be ongoing." -- Courtesy of The Star Online