Machap: The role of housewives as the backbone of family harmony continues to be recognised through the Bantuan Kasih Johor (BKJ) initiative, which is described as more than just financial aid, but also an acknowledgement of the contributions of these often unsung heroines.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, most recipients in the Machap constituency expressed their appreciation for the initiative, which demonstrates the government's acknowledgment of their tireless contributions to managing households around the clock, despite the lack of a formal salary or fixed remuneration.
Nor Saydatul Natrah Elias, 33, from Kampung Sari, shared that the RM200 cash assistance would alleviate some of the financial pressure on her husband, who operates a motorcycle workshop with inconsistent earnings. She expressed her gratitude for receiving aid under the housewife category for the first time, humorously noting the relentless nature of their 'job' without the benefit of a paycheck.
The aid presentation ceremony, officiated by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi at the Kampung Baru Cina Machap Open Hall, saw Onn Hafiz, who is also the Machap state assemblyman, distribute assistance to 1,867 housewives. The allocation for the area amounted to RM373,400.
Nor Saydatul Natrah, a mother of three children aged between nine months and nine years, estimated her family's monthly expenses at RM1,000 and noted that the aid would provide some relief. Similarly, Nor Amirah Abdullah, 37, highlighted that the assistance could help her husband purchase household necessities, especially with the upcoming Aidiladha celebration. She added that the Jualan Kasih Johor (JKJ) programme, offering goods at a 30 percent discount, would be her primary shopping destination.
Karen Kaur, 38, shared her decision not to work to personally care for her two children, emphasizing that the BKJ assistance would help ease her husband's burden, who works as a scrap metal assistant, and could be used for groceries. Karen underscored the importance of the BKJ initiative in recognizing those who devote their time and energy to family well-being.
Koh Qi Yu, 29, who left her job to focus on her six-year-old daughter, expressed her gratitude for the assistance, intending to use it for her child's necessities. Maslia Mastur, 58, from Kampung Parit Haji Basri, mentioned that the aid would cover daily expenses and medication costs, as she has been depending on her children and husband due to health issues.
Onn Hafiz announced that RM27.2 million had been allocated for BKJ, benefiting 136,000 non-working housewives throughout Johor. He stated that over RM2.48 million under BKJ Phase Four had been channeled to the Machap constituency, supporting nearly 12,000 recipients from various categories as part of the state government's ongoing efforts to alleviate the people's cost of living burden.