Kuala lumpur: The increase in the allocation for various forms of financial assistance for 2025 proves the commitment of the MADANI Government in its efforts to reduce the cost of living pressures faced by the people, while also driving sustainable and resilient economic growth. Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said among the key initiatives was the increase in the allocation for the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) to RM13 billion this year, compared to RM10 billion, which benefits almost nine million recipients or 60 percent of the adult population.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lim stated, 'The maximum rate for households in 2025 has also been increased to RM4,600, an increase of almost 25 percent compared to RM3,700 in 2024.' The government has also raised the allocation for assistance under the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) to RM2.9 billion for 2025 compared to RM2.4 billion previously. This was in response to a question by Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin during a question and answer session at Dewan Rakyat. Hamzah inquired about the government's strategy to alleviate the people's cost of living burden, considering the country's total debt has now reached RM1.5 trillion.
Lim highlighted other forms of assistance, including an increase in Elderly Assistance to RM600 per month compared to RM500, and an increase in Child Assistance for Poor Families to RM250 (six years and below) and RM200 (seven to 18 years), subject to a maximum rate of RM1,000 per family. The General Assistance in the Federal Territories has also increased to RM150 per month compared to RM100, with a maximum rate of RM500 per family.
The government has allocated RM1 billion for various initiatives to tackle the cost of living, including price control of basic goods such as rice and cooking oil. Of that amount, RM300 million is specifically allocated for the RAHMAH Umbrella Programme, which includes expanding RAHMAH Sales to all state constituencies to offer basic goods at affordable prices.
She further explained that the remaining RM700 million was utilized to expand other cost of living reduction programmes targeting the B40 and M40 groups. Additionally, Lim mentioned the continuation of the Early Schooling Aid (BAP) as a strategic effort to assist parents in meeting educational needs, alongside the MADANI Subsidy Assistance (BUDI MADANI) for public transport, farmers, breeders, smallholders, and diesel vehicle owners.
The government is also implementing the My50 Monthly Pass, benefiting public transport users in the Klang Valley, especially from the B40 and M40 groups. Lim emphasized that increasing the people's income is a focus, with civil servant salaries and the minimum wage increased from RM1,500 to RM1,700, to ensure economic growth aligned with the MADANI Economy framework objectives.