Last updated on May 7th, 2021 at 08:41 am
As Malaysia is faces coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), struggling to protect people’s health and livelihoods at 40 per cent of household revenue. It reported three bundles of economic assistance. The new two are named Prihatin (which translates into “care”), and they concentrate on helping the Malaysians who fear slipping through the cracks. This include street sellers, micro-enterpreneurs, artists and other informal workers severely impacted by the crisis.
Although these constructive steps will provide some breathing room for at-risk Malaysians, it would be worth considering the country’s overall social security policy during the ongoing Movement Control Order, the ensuing recovery process, and in the long run. Many expect this crisis to bring major changes to the world and to the nation, naming it the “new standard.” This will change life as we know this. The job environment is likely to change but in uncertain forms as yet.
Through this theu view cash assistance as something that will help and benefit a lot of unemployed people. Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz stated that Malaysians who successfully lodged new applications or appeals for the Bantuan Prihatin Nasional (BPN) will begin receiving their cash assistance from May 15.
The finance minister shared that payment has been approved after inspection by the Inland Revenue Board for all those considered competent. In fact, 2.3 million new BPN proposals and appeals were accepted, with a net gross reward of RM 1.7 billion.
The BPN will be paid out in a single payment to qualifying applicants beginning May 15, 2020. The minister added that the new round of payouts meant a minimum of 10.6 million applicants would receive financial assistance from RM11 billion.
Tengku Zafrul added that applicants should search on the dedicated BPN website for the results of their applications and appeals. Among steps announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the BPN assistance was to seek to assist Malaysians affected by the movement control order imposed to curb the Covid-19 outbreak.
Under the program, families with low- and middle-income and single workers will receive a one-off conditional cash assistance worth RM500 to RM1,600.
May this program help the people who are in close need of the aid that they government is implementing.
