Penang mulls review of i-Sejahtera welfare aid due to rising costs
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government is considering a review of its social welfare aid programmes, especially the i-Sejahtera initiative, due to rising costs and the need to better target recipients.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the review aims to ensure that aid is effectively delivered to the intended groups.
He added that a study on the programme has been completed, but a final decision has yet to be made.
"The study was conducted to ensure the aid is properly channelled to the targeted groups," he told reporters at Universiti Sains Malaysia here today.
Chow said the review, which will be further discussed through engagement sessions, will be presented to the state executive council for a final decision.
He said the i-Sejahtera programme involved significant expenditure and that any continuation would require strong financial backing.
"Among the changes being considered are the reduction or removal of some categories under the programme that may no longer be relevant.
"New initiatives may also be introduced to replace outdated components.
"We are facing financial constraints, so we need to cap our expenditure and assess which programmes we can continue to support," he added, stressing that not all changes would result in reduced aid.
Chow also pointed out that the programme's cost had risen annually, driven by a growing number of registrants, especially under the Warga Emas scheme.
He said longer life expectancies have resulted in more senior citizens applying for aid, increasing the state's allocation requirements.
"If there is an overlap with federal aid programmes, the state does not need to run a similar programme," he said, stressing the need to maximise limited state resources.
Chow said the state has no plans to cancel the programme entirely but will adjust and redeploy resources where necessary.
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