Kuala lumpur: The provision of additional cash assistance of RM100 to Malaysian citizens, aged 18 and above, through the Basic Rahmah Contribution (SARA) programme should not be politicised, but rather seen as a form of concern for the poor. Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R.Ramanan emphasized that downplaying the value of the RM100 assistance was akin to belittling the poor in the country due to its significant impact on the daily lives of the less fortunate.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ramanan highlighted the disparity in perception between different income groups. He remarked that while the wealthy, classified as T20, might dismiss RM100 as insignificant, this amount holds considerable value for those in the B40 group. He questioned whether critics understood the purchasing power of RM100 in terms of essential goods like rice and chicken. Ramanan urged that any government initiative should be judged on its merits rather than diminished.
Ramanan further explained that all parties should exhibit empathy and comprehend the realities faced by low-income groups, especially amidst challenging economic conditions. Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, recently unveiled several major initiatives as a gesture of appreciation from the MADANI Government to the populace. These included the one-off RM100 grant under the SARA programme, delayed toll hikes for ten highways, and a reduced RON95 petrol price subsidy set at RM1.99 per litre.
In addition, Ramanan stated that the MADANI Government no longer relies solely on the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA) to address issues within the Indian community. Instead, it has introduced multiple high-impact programmes focusing on financing and entrepreneurship development. This comprehensive approach involves collaboration with various agencies such as the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (TEKUN), Bank Rakyat, SME Bank, and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) to empower the Indian community.
Ramanan noted the increase in the Prosperity Empowerment and A New Normal for Indian Women (PENN) fund from RM50 million to RM100 million. Additionally, an extra RM50 million has been allocated for the BRIEF-i programme and the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Scheme (SPUMI). The government also introduced Vanigham Financing for Indian Entrepreneurs, offering financing of RM50 million.
Cumulatively, RM417 million has been allocated by the government to implement various initiatives aimed at empowering the Indian entrepreneurial community. Earlier, a total of 22 individuals received financing through the PENN, SPUMI, SPUMI Goes Big, and BRIEF-I programmes, amounting to RM932,000.