RM100 aid welcome, but inaccessible for many in rural Sarawak, say reps
MIRI (July 25): While the federal government's latest RM100 cash aid under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) initiative has been lauded as a timely relief for many Malaysians, elected representatives from rural Sarawak have raised concerns that the current rollout mechanism risks leaving out communities in the interior.
Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala said the initiative, credited directly to recipients' MyKad and usable only at authorised supermarkets or mini markets, does not take into account the unique challenges faced by rural communities.
'Assistance that helps reduce the people's burden is always appreciated. However, for those in the interior without access to approved outlets, this RM100 becomes inaccessible, unless they travel to town, often spending more than RM100 just to get there.
'This defeats the very purpose of the aid,' he told The Borneo Post when contacted for comments on the aid distribution.
To address the issue, Gerawat suggested expanding the Jualan Rahmah programme to remote communities and allowing the RM100 credit to be used there.
He also proposed extending the validity of the aid to one year, to give rural recipients sufficient time to utilise it.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced several Madani appreciation measures, including the RM100 Sara assistance, a freeze on toll rate hikes for 10 highways, and a reduced RON95 fuel price of RM1.99 per litre.
However, Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau noted that many of the measures appear to be more applicable to urban populations, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia.
'The only direct benefit for our rural folks is the RM100. But how can they use it if they have no access to the outlets, or if they don't have a MyKad?' he questioned.
Dennis pointed out that some villagers in longhouses still do not possess identity cards, due to a combination of remoteness and logistical hurdles.
'It's not that they don't want to apply. Some were born and raised deep in the interior, and getting to the nearest JPN (National Registration Department) office, even during mobile outreach visits, is a journey full of challenges.'
He added that fuel price reduction, toll freezes, and even EPF-related announcements hold little relevance in the rural belts of Sarawak, where roads remain limited and fuel prices are already higher due to transport costs.
'The delivery system needs to reflect the realities in Sarawak's interior,' Dennis stressed.
Both leaders agreed that while the Unity Government's intentions are noble, a 'one-size-fits-all' approach risks further marginalising those living far from urban centres, unless a more inclusive distribution mechanism is adopted, one that reflects the unique needs of rural Sarawak.
Their concerns are grounded in personal experience: Gerawat hails from Pa' Lungan, a remote village in the Bario highlands near the Malaysian-Indonesian border, while Dennis is from Long Bedian, deep in central Baram region. Dennis Ngau gerawat gala rural Sara aid
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BusinessToday
9 hours ago
- BusinessToday
EPF Monthly Payout Plan Applicable Only To New Members, Deputy Finance Minister Says
The proposed monthly pension-style payout under the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) will apply only to new members once implemented, said Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying. She clarified that existing EPF members' withdrawal rights will remain unchanged, and any transition to the new structure would be strictly voluntary. Under the initial proposal, EPF contributions would be divided into two components: Flexible savings, which members can access anytime, and income savings, to be paid out monthly until depleted, providing a more stable post-retirement income stream. 'This is only an early proposal. The Madani government is committed to gathering public feedback and conducting comprehensive engagement before any implementation. 'Nevertheless, the goal is clear, which is to help Malaysians manage their retirement savings in a more structured, fair and sustainable way,' Lim said in a Facebook post. Currently, EPF members can withdraw their full balance at age 55. However, the government is exploring a monthly payout option to supplement lump-sum withdrawals, as outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan tabled on July 31. EPF is currently reviewing the proposal and has pledged to conduct stakeholder consultations to ensure members' long-term interests are safeguarded. Related
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
Govt raises ploughing incentive to RM160 per hectare
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has agreed to increase the Ploughing Incentive for Padi Farmers (IPKP) from RM100 to RM160 per hectare for each season, starting this year. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) said the incentive will be implemented in stages to ensure efficient and effective delivery to padi farmers. 'The implementation of this incentive involves two main disbursement methods: an additional cash payment of RM60 per hectare for farmers who have completed ploughing and submitted claims for the first planting season of 2025; 'And a payment of RM160 per hectare through the existing mechanism under the Padi Production Incentive Scheme (SIPP), channelled via service providers or machinery owners for the second planting season of 2025,' it said in a statement today. KPKM explained that for the additional RM60 per hectare incentive for farmers who have planted during the first season of this year, the ministry is finalising the list of eligible recipients based on claims submitted by machinery owners and service providers. 'It will be paid as soon as the list is finalised. The process may take some time as there are service providers who have completed the ploughing work but have yet to submit claims to the agency,' it said. The ministry also announced a new initiative — the Padi Harvesting Incentive — at a rate of RM50 per hectare, starting this year. According to the statement, the incentive will be paid once harvesting work is completed and claimed by registered combine harvester owners or service providers under the Farmers' Organisation Authority (LPP) or Area Farmers' Organisations (PPK), beginning from the second planting season of this year. 'At present, the agency is registering the combine harvesters to enable payment to be made once harvesting is completed,' it said. The ministry also acknowledged delays in incentive payments and said efforts are being made to expedite disbursements to padi farmers in stages. - Bernama
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- New Straits Times
13MP: Turning ambition into action
The tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in Parliament on Thursday marks a significant milestone in charting the nation's medium-term development course. As Malaysia stands at a crucial juncture amidst global economic uncertainty, technological transformation, climate change, and demographic shifts, the 13MP presents an opportunity to reset priorities, build resilience, and steer the nation toward sustainable and inclusive growth. In general, the plan must be commended for its intent to address critical national challenges such as income inequality, digital transformation, green economy transition, and institutional reform. Its success, however, will depend not just on ambition but on discipline, transparency, and effective execution at every level of government and society. To ensure the effective implementation of the 13MP, the following aspects must be given focused follow-up: Monitoring and evaluation A robust and transparent monitoring mechanism must be put in place to track the progress of key targets. Regular public reporting and performance audits will help ensure accountability and course correction when needed. Inter-agency coordination Strong coordination across federal, state, and local government agencies is essential. Ministries and departments must work in synergy, not in silos, to avoid delays and inefficiencies. Stakeholder engagement Engagement with civil society, private sector, and local communities must continue beyond the planning stage. Implementation must be inclusive and reflective of on-the-ground realities. Resource allocation and budget discipline The success of the Plan hinges on proper financing and fiscal responsibility. Development expenditure must be prioritised based on impact, equity, and sustainability, with a focus on reducing leakages and wastage. Capacity building and institutional reform Public service delivery needs to be enhanced through capacity building and governance reform. Institutions must be empowered and depoliticised to deliver effectively and with integrity. Flexibility and adaptability The government must be prepared to adapt the Plan to evolving circumstances, including global shocks or domestic shifts. A rigid implementation would risk making the Plan obsolete in a fast-changing world. As a nation, we must treat the 13MP not just as a policy document, but as a shared national commitment. All stakeholders—government, private sector, civil society, and citizens—must work together to ensure its goals are translated into real and measurable outcomes that improve the quality of life for all Malaysians.
