GEORGE TOWN, April 5 -- Penang is expected to achieve zero hardcore poverty by June 1 this year, according to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The prime minister said the government has always prioritised assistance for the low-income group and those below the hardcore poverty line.

"The Penang state government worked together with the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) and poverty issues can be resolved in a month," he told reporters after attending a briefing on the state's development at Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow's office in Komtar today.

"This means Penang will record zero hardcore poverty by June 1 this year and this is something to be proud of," he added.

Meanwhile, Anwar said he had also immediately approved an allocatio...