The number of people living in poverty in 2021 rose to a total of almost 20 million or 18.1% of the population from 16.7% in 2018, the Philippine Statistics Authority says, overshooting the government's target of 15.5%-17.5%.

An advocacy group says the root issue is that people are still unable to afford even basic necessities such as pads.

The villagers are not against the increase in FGV board allowances but say now is not the right time.

This is to ensure that only those truly in need benefit from such initiatives, it says.

Questions will also be raised on hardcore poverty and plans to ensure that Kuala Lumpur is flood-free.

Two of K Goomathi's three children have special needs, but her devotion to them never flags.

K Goomathi, who has spent years raising her children on her own, is determined to do everything she can to give them a good life.

K Goomathi lives in constant fear that one day, her ex-husband will ask for the house back.

Water poverty, a lack of access to clean and treated water, is a problem especially in rural areas and the interior.

While RM100 may seem a pittance to some, it can feed a poor family for a week.

The RM100 for households and RM50 for singles under the Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia initiative is meant to help them tackle the cost of living and increase in price of goods, says PM.

The illegal renovations are part of a larger pattern of indifference, driven by what appears to be a lack of options for the hard-core poor.