Poverty in Malaysia is a prevalent issue, with nearly 1.3 million people living in poverty and close to 300,000 homeowners affected. According to the Straits Times, Malaysia’s population is estimated at 34.3 million. Currently, 15 regions in Malaysia face poverty. Here are three organizations working to end poverty in Malaysia.

Hopes Worldwide Malaysia

Hopes Worldwide Malaysia is a nonprofit NGO working to end poverty among disadvantaged households and minoritized populations in Malaysia. Formed in 2000, its mission is to bring meaning, opportunity and confidence to Malaysian communities. The organization focuses on five areas: health, food, education, volunteering, and corporate partnerships. Health involves providing no-cost essential services and emotional health education to underrepresented populations. The food program offers 30-day food assistance and produce from its community garden to poverty-stricken households. Education initiatives provide school help, English reading and writing services, STEAM robotics, and academic investments for children and adolescents. Volunteering rallies individuals, families and companies to engage in community involvement. Lastly, its corporate partnerships focus on collaborating with enterprises for partnerships that benefit both populations and corporations.

My Kasih Foundation

My Kasih Foundation is a nonprofit that uses technology to supply food assistance and financial education to impoverished households. Its digital payment system ensures clarity and efficiency. The foundation also supports students through its MyKasih “Love My School” program. Founded in 2009 by Tan Sri Dr. Ngau Boon Keat and Puan Sri Jean Ngau, the foundation allows poverty-stricken households to buy food through a digital payment service using their MyKad. In 2012, Love My School partnered with classrooms, giving children the opportunity to participate in everyday academics with a sense of autonomy. The same technology provides children with food they can purchase in cafeterias and school supplies from school bookstores. Other improvement methods include technological learning, athletic development, and STEM education. Since 2012, the foundation has collaborated with government bodies, zakat organizations, private groups, and NGOs to expand its work beyond digital assistance to include wellness examinations and educational and athletic instruction in more than 100 schools. The foundation continues to implement its food assistance and academic services across Malaysia, uplifting people from all walks of life. As the welfare landscape evolves, the foundation remains guided by the belief that when people are treated with care and respect, communities blossom and thrive.

Mohd Khairi Foundation

Mohd Khairi Foundation is a nonprofit established in 2016, driven by the founders’ concerns for Malaysia. The organization aims to help students affected by poverty, as well as support households, schools, and educational institutes. It also assists supervision establishments for the elderly and disabled, temporary homes for unmarried mothers, and other NGOs aiding survivors of natural disasters and community events in Malaysia.

– Leo Hardy

Leo is based in Muncie, IN, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

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