Latest news with #Sumbangan


Borneo Post
10-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Over 2,400 UiTM Sabah students receive RM300 aid
Masidi (seated centre) with guests and SENTOSA Programme recipients at Dewan Al-Bukhari, UiTM Kota Kinabalu. KOTA KINABALU (July 10): A total of 2,477 students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sabah received a one-off cash assistance of RM300 under the SENTOSA initiative, a move by the State Government aimed at easing the financial strain on Sabahans pursuing higher education locally. The aid, officially known as Sumbangan Mahasiswa Pengajian Tinggi Dalam Negeri Sabah (SENTOSA), is part of a RM6 million state allocation to support some 20,000 Bumiputera students currently enrolled at institutions of higher learning across Sabah. Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, who presented the aid at Dewan Al-Bukhari, UiTM Kota Kinabalu, said the initiative demonstrates the State Government's firm commitment to investing in human capital through education. 'Education is the bedrock of a progressive society. It shapes a generation that is not only skilled and knowledgeable, but one that upholds values and integrity. The State Government remains steadfast in our resolve to ensure no Sabahan is left behind in the national education agenda,' he said in his speech. Masidi revealed that SENTOSA is one of 13 education-focused aid programmes introduced this year, involving a total allocation of RM75.5 million. Other forms of assistance include school maintenance funds, student excellence awards, exam preparation support, flight subsidies for students studying outside Sabah, and digital device aid. He also noted that in a separate effort, RM125 million has been allocated under the Biasiswa Kerajaan Negeri Sabah(BKNS), benefitting 4,170 students. Meanwhile, Yayasan Sabah has set aside RM11.25 million for scholarships, study loans and education grants, supporting a further 1,879 students across the state. Calling on stakeholders to strengthen their cooperation, Masidi emphasised the need for continuous support to ensure Sabah's young generation are not only equipped for academic success, but empowered to shape the state's future. The SENTOSA aid distribution ceremony was jointly organised by the State Secretary's Office (Special Tasks) and UiTM Sabah Branch.

Barnama
24-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
SARA Aid Eases Burden Of Families Without Stable Income
Recipients of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) shop for their daily necessities at Mydin George Town supermarket recently. By Siti Azila Alias GEORGE TOWN, June 24 (Bernama) -- Disbursement of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid brings hope to those struggling with daily life, particularly individuals who no longer have a stable source of income. For private sector retiree B. Letchumanan, 60, the aid comes in handy to cover the cost of daily necessities although some may view the amount as small. He said his wife is a SARA recipient while his 85-year-old father was recently listed as a new beneficiary of the aid. "Today, I came to buy personal hygiene items for my father as he has difficulty moving around due to knee pain. "My father is 85 years old and a retired teacher. He lives with my family, so with the help of SARA, we can at least partially cover his expenses, especially since I am no longer working," he told Bernama when met at a recent Finance Ministry SARA Programme. Letchumanan said the method of disbursing the aid by crediting it directly into the MyKad is very convenient as it can be used at any time, free from the hassle of additional technical procedures. Meanwhile, Nur Aziah Bahari, 65, expressed her gratitude for being selected as a recipient of the RM100 aid, which she has used to purchase food items.


New Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Egg prices hold steady despite subsidy cut
KUALA LUMPUR: Retail prices of chicken eggs have remained steady despite the government reducing its egg subsidy by half, according to a survey conducted by Bernama in the capital and several states. The new subsidy rate of 5 sen per egg took effect today, ahead of the planned complete withdrawal of support on Aug 1. Despite initial concerns, traders in several states reported that prices have not yet risen and supply remains stable. In Kuala Lumpur, Lee Chun Sian, a 48-year-old trader at Raja Bot Market, said eggs remained affordable due to stable supply chains. "Even without subsidies, prices shouldn't go up much if the supply is consistent," he told Bernama when met at the market today. Lee said Grade A eggs were still being sold at RM12.30 per tray, while Grade B eggs were sold at RM9.30, Grade C eggs at RM9, and Grade D eggs at RM8.10. Madam Wong, 75, another trader at the market, said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry had continued regular inspections to ensure prices weren't being manipulated. "We've received the new pricing list, but we'll meet next week to decide if a price revision is necessary. "If we raise them too much, customers will complain," she said. Consumers have also called for calm, with Nurul Othman, 47, from Shah Alam warning that panic buying could do more harm than good. "It's panic buying that disrupts supply. There's no need to hoard, just buy as usual," she said. In Perlis, shopkeeper Seong, 51, confirmed that prices remained unchanged for now, as traders were still selling existing stock. "If new stock comes in at a higher cost, there might be a small increase. We'll wait and see," he said. Some consumers, like Arau retiree Abu Bakar Din, 54, say they are shielded from price fluctuations thanks to targeted government aid. As a recipient of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara), he can use monthly credits tied to his MyKad to purchase essential items. "Eggs are a staple in cooking. Whether prices go up or down, we still need to buy them," he said. In Perak, the state Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, Consumer Affairs and New Villages Committee chairman Woo Kah Leong said the ministry would intensify monitoring if prices began to rise. He encouraged shoppers to purchase daily essentials at government-backed Madani Rahmah sales events, where items are offered at prices lower than the market, with Grade C eggs currently available for as little as RM6 per tray. In Kelantan, roti canai seller Fauzi Ramli, 32, expressed concern over potential profiteering by wholesalers. "Recent price drops helped lower my operating costs. I just hope prices stay manageable," he said. In Sabah, supermarket supervisor Mohd Zulkifli Razak in Kota Kinabalu said the impact of the subsidy cut had not yet been felt, as outlets were still selling their existing inventory. "We expect to see some changes when new stock arrives in a week or two. If prices rise, we hope it's minimal," he said. Tambunan grocer Karim Shah Abdullah, 52, said a stable supply was the key issue in rural areas, where price changes can be more pronounced. "Stock availability is what drives price shifts here," he said. The price control and subsidy for eggs are being phased out beginning today, with the subsidy reduced from 10 sen to 5 sen per egg. – Bernama

Malay Mail
01-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Egg prices hold steady as subsidy reduction takes effect; consumers urged to avoid panic buying
KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — Retail prices of chicken eggs have remained steady despite the government reducing its egg subsidy by half, according to a survey conducted by Bernama in the capital and several states. The new subsidy rate of 5 sen per egg took effect today, ahead of the planned complete withdrawal of support on August 1. Despite initial concerns, traders in several states reported that prices have not yet risen and supply remains stable. In KUALA LUMPUR, Lee Chun Sian, a 48-year-old trader at Raja Bot Market, said eggs remained affordable due to stable supply chains. 'Even without subsidies, prices shouldn't go up much if the supply is consistent,' he told Bernama when met at the market today. Lee noted that Grade A eggs were still being sold at RM12.30 per tray, while Grade B eggs were sold at RM9.30, Grade C eggs at RM9, and Grade D eggs at RM8.10. Madam Wong, 75, another trader at the market, said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) had continued regular inspections to ensure prices weren't being manipulated. 'We've received the new pricing list, but we'll meet next week to decide if a price revision is necessary. If we raise them too much, customers will complain,' she said. Consumers have also called for calm, with Nurul Othman, 47, from Shah Alam warning that panic buying could do more harm than good. 'It's panic buying that disrupts supply. There's no need to hoard, just buy as usual,' she said. In PERLIS, shopkeeper Seong, 51, confirmed that prices remained unchanged for now, as traders were still selling existing stock. 'If new stock comes in at a higher cost, there might be a small increase. We'll wait and see,' he said. Some consumers, like Arau retiree Abu Bakar Din, 54, say they are shielded from price fluctuations thanks to targeted government aid. As a recipient of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), he can use monthly credits tied to his MyKad to purchase essential items. 'Eggs are a staple in cooking. Whether prices go up or down, we still need to buy them,' he said. In PERAK, the state Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, Consumer Affairs and New Villages Committee chairman Woo Kah Leong said KPDN would intensify monitoring if prices began to rise. He encouraged shoppers to purchase daily essentials at government-backed MADANI Rahmah sales events, where items are offered at prices lower than the market, with Grade C eggs currently available for as little as RM6 per tray. In KELANTAN, roti canai seller Fauzi Ramli, 32, expressed concern over potential profiteering by wholesalers. 'Recent price drops helped lower my operating costs. I just hope prices stay manageable,' he said. In SABAH, supermarket supervisor Mohd Zulkifli Razak in Kota Kinabalu said the impact of the subsidy cut had not yet been felt, as outlets were still selling their existing inventory. 'We expect to see some changes when new stock arrives in a week or two. If prices rise, we hope it's minimal,' he said. Tambunan grocer Karim Shah Abdullah, 52, said a stable supply was the key issue in rural areas, where price changes can be more pronounced. 'Stock availability is what drives price shifts here,' he said. — Bernama