Since the introduction of the New Economic Policy 1971-1990 (NEP), Malaysia has achieved outstanding progress in poverty eradication. During this period the poverty incidence has dropped from 52.4 percent in 1970 to 15 percent in 1990. This index remains in a declining trend with the latest figures showing a drop from 8.5 percent in 1999 to 5.7 percent in 2004.

Author: Musalmah Johan. Publication: MIERScan, 27 November 2006.