Latest news with #i-Sejahtera
The Star
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
‘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.
Malaysiakini
21-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Penang's tabung is shrinking
Good morning. Here's what you should know today. Key Highlights Penang's tabung is shrinking Nurul Izzah's turn to warn of doom Jam packed day in KL Saturday Penang's tabung is shrinking If looking at how much money is left in your bank account at the start of each month makes you sad, you're not alone. And if you live in Penang and are elderly, disabled, a single mother, a housewife, or have babies, that little bit of relief when your annual i-Sejahtera aid payout comes in may also be at risk. That's because the Penang state government's consolidated revenue account is also shrinking. For 2025, its opening balance is RM50 million. While that sounds like a lot of money, Lim Guan Eng - who was chief minister from 2008 to 2018 - pointed out that this is RM1.1 billion less than the RM1.15 billion in the account in 2019. The state government's financial situation is such that Chief Minister Chow Kon Yow said it is considering scaling back welfare programmes like i-Sejahtera. Lim wants to know what exactly Chow's administration has been spending on the past five years to land them in this pickle. HIGHLIGHTS Nurul Izzah's turn to warn of doom PKR deputy president hopeful Nurul Izzah Anwar warns that the party is at risk of collapse within the next decade if they don't stop fighting each other. This is amid rising tensions in the party, with incumbent PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli raining fire on his rivals. PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, however, says he isn't too worried about the intense fighting, believing that the party will patch things up once the internal polls are over. HIGHLIGHTS Jam packed day in KL Saturday Saturday is going to be a jam packed day in Kuala Lumpur, both in terms of traffic and events. The biggest event is the Asean summit, which will see road closures on six highways and 25 main roads. Then there are two protests that are planned for that day. The first is a rally to express Malay pride and dismay at the government for failing to protect their interests. The second, is a protest against the government's decision to extend MACC chief Azam Baki's contract by another year. HIGHLIGHTS Views that matter In case you missed it
Barnama
16-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Penang Governor Calls For More Targeted, Inclusive Approach In i-Sejahtera Programme
GEORGE TOWN, May 16 (Bernama) -- Penang's newly appointed Governor, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, has called for the i-Sejahtera welfare programme to be continued with a more targeted and inclusive approach, emphasising the need to prioritise those genuinely in need while introducing sustainable empowerment alternatives such as skills training and micro-aid. This initiative should not merely alleviate burdens, but also create opportunities for self-reliance and raise the socio-economic status of recipients, he said in his speech when opening the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly today. Ramli also praised the Penang government's commitment to welfare, noting that RM50.54 million was disbursed through i-Sejahtera in 2024, benefiting over 280,000 recipients. 'The scale of this programme reflects not only its reach but also the state government's dedication to enhancing lives regardless of age, status, or background,' he said. On May 9, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that a review of the i-Sejahtera programme is currently underway to ensure it achieves its intended impact. The i-Sejahtera programme is an expression of appreciation and concern from the state government that is given in the form of financial aid once a year to the people of Penang, namely the elderly, the disabled, single mothers, housewives and infants aged two years and below. In his speech, Ramli also stressed the importance of continuously refining state-level planning to ensure welfare and social development efforts remain relevant and effective. This includes the Penang State Structure Plan 2040, which is being reviewed to strengthen and align existing policies under the Penang2030 vision, he said. Meanwhile, the Governor also expressed appreciation to the federal government for its continued support of major infrastructure projects in Penang, which aim to improve mobility and connectivity across the state, such as the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Expressway (JSD), the LRT Mutiara Line, the Sungai Perak Treated Water Transfer Project or the Perak-Penang Water Project (PAP), and the expansion of the Penang International Airport.
New Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang govt asked to explain plan to review i-Sejahtera aid
slug: izfinancial HL: MCA questions Penang's plan to review i-Sejahtera aid amid rising living costs GEORGE TOWN: An MCA leader has questioned the Penang government's decision to review its social welfare aid programmes, particularly the i-Sejahtera initiative. The concern was raised by state MCA vice-president Datuk Tan Teik Cheng following Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow's statement on the matter. Tan said Chow must clarify whether media reports were accurate in stating that the state government intended to reduce the i-Sejahtera aid from RM200 to RM150 or even RM100 and raise the eligibility age limit from 60 to 65 years. "If this report is true, then the chief minister needs to explain whether the Penang government is indeed facing financial difficulties. Otherwise, why is the welfare of Penangites being sacrificed at a time when the cost of goods is rising? "We received this information through news reports, and it is undoubtedly a blow to senior citizens who are already struggling with the rising cost of living, with prices increasing, aid is not being raised but instead reduced," he said yesterday. "Even if the state government is facing financial issues, cost-cutting measures should be implemented in other areas, such as reducing unnecessary and wasteful administrative expenses, rather than at the expense of the welfare of vulnerable groups," Tan added. Earlier yesterday, Chow said the Penang government was considering a review of its social welfare aid programmes, particularly the i-Sejahtera initiative, due to rising costs and the need for more targeted assistance. He said the review aims to ensure that aid is effectively delivered to the intended groups. The New Straits Times has reached out to Chow but has yet to receive a response.
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.
