Penang govt asked to explain plan to review i-Sejahtera aid
HL: MCA questions Penang's plan to review i-Sejahtera aid amid rising living costs
GEORGE TOWN: An MCA leader has questioned the Penang government's decision to review its social welfare aid programmes, particularly the i-Sejahtera initiative.
The concern was raised by state MCA vice-president Datuk Tan Teik Cheng following Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow's statement on the matter.
Tan said Chow must clarify whether media reports were accurate in stating that the state government intended to reduce the i-Sejahtera aid from RM200 to RM150 or even RM100 and raise the eligibility age limit from 60 to 65 years.
"If this report is true, then the chief minister needs to explain whether the Penang government is indeed facing financial difficulties. Otherwise, why is the welfare of Penangites being sacrificed at a time when the cost of goods is rising?
"We received this information through news reports, and it is undoubtedly a blow to senior citizens who are already struggling with the rising cost of living, with prices increasing, aid is not being raised but instead reduced," he said yesterday.
"Even if the state government is facing financial issues, cost-cutting measures should be implemented in other areas, such as reducing unnecessary and wasteful administrative expenses, rather than at the expense of the welfare of vulnerable groups," Tan added.
Earlier yesterday, Chow said the Penang government was considering a review of its social welfare aid programmes, particularly the i-Sejahtera initiative, due to rising costs and the need for more targeted assistance.
He said the review aims to ensure that aid is effectively delivered to the intended groups.
The New Straits Times has reached out to Chow but has yet to receive a response.
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