‘Assistance scheme must be more strategic, sustainable'
PENANG'S i-Sejahtera programme needs to be continued with a more targeted and inclusive approach, prioritising those who truly need assistance, says a backbencher.
Connie Tan (PH-Seri Delima) said this was in line with the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib's call for the state government to continue with the programme.
She said the Governor's speech carried a profound meaning, that Penang government should strengthen this programme in a more sustainable, strategic and integrated manner.
'One of the approaches that can be considered is the integration of resources between state governments, the Federal Government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to form a more comprehensive and sustainable social support ecosystem.
'Countries like Japan, South Korea and Singapore offer interesting examples, that is through the Silver Support Scheme where cash assistance is only given to the elderly who genuinely lack savings or family support,' she said when debating the motion of thanks to Ramli.
Tan said schemes such as Healthier SG and the Community Health Assistance Scheme offered by Singapore provided regular health check-ups and basic treatments on a subsidised basis to those in need.
She said the i-Sejahtera programme had the potential to evolve into a social development platform that supported active and dignified ageing.
However, she stressed that the state government must ensure that the scheme was carefully reviewed and improved as the intention was to strengthen and refine it for the benefit of all.
The i-Sejahtera programme is an annual financial aid initiative designed to assist residents, particularly senior citizens, disabled individuals, single mothers and housewives.
Meanwhile, Penang Opposition leader Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff said the annual RM60,000 allocation received by opposition members in the state assembly should be increased.
'I appeal for each opposition assemblyman to be granted half of the allocation received by government assemblymen, covering both supplies and infrastructure,' said Fauzi.
He said the current amount was insufficient to assist people in opposition-represented areas.
Chow was earlier quoted as saying that RM60,000 allocation for each opposition member of the Penang Legislative Assembly would be maintained this year.
He said the state government had no intention of increasing allocations to opposition assemblymen, considering that it had appointed coordinating officers in those areas.
Elected representatives in the ruling coalition each receive an annual allocation of RM500,000.
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