Perak: The Perak government is examining potential support mechanisms for M40 households, which are considered middle-income but currently experiencing financial difficulties, as announced by Datuk Salbiah Mohamed, the State Executive Councillor for Women, Family, Community Welfare and Entrepreneur Development.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Salbiah outlined that the government is evaluating several medium- and long-term strategies aimed at assisting this 'ineligible but struggling' group. These strategies include productivity-based support through entrepreneurship development programmes, skills training, and access to digitalisation, with the goal of increasing household income beyond merely providing direct aid.

Salbiah further elaborated on potential measures under the Targeted Subsidies and the Affordable Lifestyle Initiative. These measures might involve preschool education discounts, childcare subsidies, affordable essential goods purchase programmes (BAMM), or specific discount cards designed to offer more flexible benefits to M40 families.

During her speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting, Salbiah highlighted the importance of forming strategic partnerships with the private sector and government-linked companies. Such collaborations could facilitate high-impact community service programmes focused on mental health support, household financial management, and debt management assistance.

Salbiah emphasized the necessity of addressing the issues faced by the M40 group within a broader and more inclusive framework. She assured that the State Government would undertake a comprehensive review of the proposals and work towards refining existing aid policies and programmes to better respond to the needs of households that are increasingly at risk of financial instability.