Penang: The Anak Emas (Golden Child) programme, implemented through a strategic collaboration between the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) and the Penang government, has received an encouraging response, with 7,771 accounts opened or topped up with total savings amounting to RM777,100 between Jan 15 and Sept 30 this year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim reported that during the same period, there were 29,678 births in Penang, indicating that nearly 26 per cent of families have started investing in their children's education. As of August, the total deposits under the National Education Savings Scheme (Simpan SSPN) in Penang had reached RM2.63 billion, with over 370,000 accounts opened.
Lim emphasized that this demonstrates Penangites' growing financial literacy and understanding of the importance of saving for their children's future. These remarks were made at the handing over ceremony of Simpan SSPN Prime accounts and baby care items in conjunction with the Anak Emas programme at Seberang Jaya Hospital (HSJ). Key attendees included PTPTN chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim, PTPTN chief executive Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid, Penang Women's Development Corporation (PWDC) CEO Datuk Ong Bee Leng, and HSJ director Dr S. Shameni.
The Anak Emas programme, introduced by the state government in June 2011, initially offered a one-off assistance of RM200 to babies aged two years and below. It was enhanced through collaboration with PTPTN starting Sept 15, 2024, providing RM100 for opening or adding a deposit to a Simpan SSPN Prime account, with an additional RM100 credited to the eligible applicant's bank account.
Eligibility for the Anak Emas programme requires the child to be a Malaysian citizen, registration before the child turns two, and at least one parent to be a registered voter in Penang with the Election Commission (EC). Lim pointed out that the collaboration with PTPTN not only alleviates financial burdens for parents but also promotes financial planning and a habit of saving.
In October, PTPTN contributed RM10,000 to 50 newborns, facilitating the opening or adding deposits to Simpan SSPN Prime accounts worth RM100 each, along with baby hampers valued at RM100 for each recipient.
PTPTN chairman Norliza highlighted Simpan SSPN as a savings product offering benefits such as income tax relief on savings up to RM8,000 annually, takaful protection, a free matching grant up to RM10,000 per eligible family, and competitive dividend rates. The savings are government-guaranteed and Shariah-compliant. Since its inception in 2004 up to Aug 30 this year, Simpan SSPN deposits have totalled RM22.31 billion, with 7.09 million accounts opened nationwide. Interested parties can learn more or apply for the Anak Emas programme at isejahtera.penang.gov.my.