Latest news with #WargaEmas
New Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
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 "New initiatives may also be introduced to replace outdated components.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.
Malay Mail
09-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Penang mulls review of i-Sejahtera aid programme, says Chow
GEORGE TOWN, May 9 — The Penang state government is considering a review of its i-Sejahtera social welfare aid programme, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said today. Chow said a study on the programme has been completed but no decision has been made yet. 'The study was conducted to ensure the aid is effectively channeled to the targeted groups,' he told reporters after launching a programme at Universiti Sains Malaysia. He said the state executive councillor in charge will hold engagement sessions on the review and present the findings to the state executive council for a final decision. Chow noted that the i-Sejahtera programme involves substantial expenditure. 'If we want to continue with the whole programme, the state's financial commitment must also be strong,' he said, adding that the review may include reducing or discontinuing some categories under the programme. 'Some categories may no longer be appropriate, and there could be new initiatives introduced as replacements. We have financial constraints, so we need to cap our expenditure and determine which programmes we can support,' he explained. Chow clarified that the review does not necessarily mean a reduction in aid. 'Each year, expenditure for the i-Sejahtera programme increases as more people register. For instance, under the Warga Emas programme, longer life expectancy means more people register, requiring higher allocations,' he said. He added that if there is overlap with federal aid programmes, the state may not need to continue similar initiatives. 'We need to stretch our resources to ensure the most effective use,' Chow said.
