logo
RM100 aid meaningful for vulnerable groups, says PBB man

RM100 aid meaningful for vulnerable groups, says PBB man

Borneo Post2 days ago
Ariffin Mohamad
MIRI (July 26): The RM100 Sara cash aid may seem modest, but it can make a meaningful difference for Malaysia's most vulnerable groups, said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Piasau branch chairman Ariffin Mohamad.
While some critics have dismissed the federal government's RM100 one-off assistance as inadequate, Ariffin, who is also Deputy Miri Mayor, argued that 'every ringgit counts' for families struggling with the rising cost of living.
'I believe that with any one-off assistance like this, we simply cannot please everyone. RM100 may seem like nothing to some, but for others, especially those struggling to make ends meet, such as senior citizens, single mothers, daily wage earners, or those who've lost their jobs, it can go a long way in easing their burden,' he said.
Ariffin also praised the direct crediting of the aid via MyKad, calling it an efficient and inclusive approach.
'I view this as a short-term relief measure by the Federal Government to inject immediate assistance to the people.
'The decision to credit the aid directly through MyKad without requiring applications is a practical and efficient way to ensure wide and fast distribution, especially to those in rural areas or without digital access,' he added.
However, he stressed the need for clear public communication to ensure all eligible recipients understand how to use the aid and are aware of the usage deadline.
The RM100 initiative is part of the Madani Government's broader cost-of-living relief package, which also includes fuel price reductions and a freeze on toll rate hikes.
Still, some rural representatives in Sarawak have urged Putrajaya to tailor such rollouts to local contexts, noting that the needs and challenges in Sarawak differ from those in Peninsular Malaysia.
While acknowledging the value of short-term aid, Ariffin emphasised the importance of long-term planning tailored to Sarawak's unique development needs.
'As at the state level, I believe GPS has always stayed true to its struggle — to protect Sarawak's rights, to fight for greater autonomy, and to ensure that Sarawakians are not left behind in national policies,' he said.
He highlighted Gabungan Parti Sarawak's (GPS) focus on sustainable growth through initiatives such as the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), rural infrastructure development, improved internet access via the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy, and state-led enterprises like Petros and the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund.
'Over the years, GPS has focused on strengthening Sarawak's economy through these various initiatives to ensure Sarawak's wealth is managed for long-term benefit,' he said.
Looking ahead, he stressed the need to strike a balance between immediate support and sustainable policy reforms.
'That is why for me, beyond short-term aid like this, what truly matters is continuing to push for policies that are fair to and reflect the real needs of our people — not just for today, but for generations to come,' said Ariffin. Ariffin Mohamad lead SARA vulnerable groups
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

MOF Warns of RM100 SARA Aid Scam Links
MOF Warns of RM100 SARA Aid Scam Links

BusinessToday

time4 hours ago

  • BusinessToday

MOF Warns of RM100 SARA Aid Scam Links

The Finance Ministry (MOF) has clarified that recipients of the one-off RM100 SARA aid do not need to register, amid growing concerns over scam links and misinformation spreading online. Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said the aid will be automatically credited to all eligible MyKad holders aged 18 and above starting Aug 31, and any claims that users must sign up through online portals are false and potentially dangerous. 'We've received numerous inquiries and complaints about fake websites and links related to RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid registration. 'Let me be clear, these are scams. Do not click on or share them,' Lim emphasised, while stressing that no application is needed as the aid will be directly credited to recipients' MyKad. On July 23, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that a one-off RM100 SARA cash aid that will be credited via MyKad to all Malaysians aged 18 and above. This part of broader Madani government initiatives, which also include toll hike postponements and a RON95 fuel price cut to RM1.99 per litre later this year. Lim added that in the event eligible individuals do not receive the payment by Aug 31, the government will provide follow-up information and guidance. Meanwhile, Lim also revealed that the government is reviewing proposals to include wet goods such as chicken, fish and meat under the SARA programme. 'The consideration is part of ongoing efforts to align the programme with real consumer needs, especially among lower-income households. 'We're open to feedback. Any expansion will be thoroughly studied in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the recipients themselves,' she said. As of May 1, the SARA programme covers 14 categories of essential goods, including food, medicine, hygiene products, school supplies and household cleaning items, amounting to over 90,000 eligible products nationwide. The MOF urges Malaysians to rely only on official government channels for accurate updates and to report suspicious messages or websites related to the aid. Related

Analysts: Opposition rally more about election messaging than toppling PM
Analysts: Opposition rally more about election messaging than toppling PM

New Straits Times

time9 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

Analysts: Opposition rally more about election messaging than toppling PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Political analysts said the Turun Anwar protest appeared like an attempt to sway public sentiment, acting as groundwork for election messaging rather than a realistic attempt to force Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's resignation. "The rally appeared more like a calculated effort by opposition leaders to sway public sentiment, spotlight government failures, and lay groundwork for election messaging, rather than a realistic attempt to force Anwar's resignation via legislative means. "While the rhetoric was about demanding Anwar's resignation, the opposition seems to lack parliamentary strength for a legitimate no‑confidence motion," University Malaya political analyst Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said. He added that with a lack of parliamentary motion, resignations, and Anwar remaining in office, the rally didn't produce institutional or leadership change. Meanwhile, Sunway University political scientist Professor Wong Chin Huat said that the rally was an attempt for Perikatan Nasional (PN) to remain relevant. "So, if Anwar steps down and a new government is formed with most of the existing Madani parliamentarians, the new government is likely to continue most of Madani's policies PN condemns. PN knows this. "PN needs this protest just to stay relevant – its momentum is residing whenever the prospect of regime change appears dim. "And of course, Hamzah's supporters are pushing for his own rise by testing the water with 'Naik Hamzah' (opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin) placards," Wong said. However, while PN hoped to capitalise on the discontent over institutional reforms and democratic backsliding, Wong said, other than Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) which sent a representative to participate, no other party or NGO which represented the liberal-minority constituency played along with PN. He added that the rally was an attempt to push a narrative that Anwar has lost the Malays' support, and Umno, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), and others would leave the government. To Wong, the rally was a failure compared to the 2018 Anti-ICERD Rally, which saw a turnout over 50,000. Nonetheless, it seemed to have relative successes. The organisers' claim that the turnout would be higher than yesterday's 18,000 people, successfully drew national and regional media attention to the event, Awang Azman said. The media previously reported that Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin claimed that the turnout would reach a million. "Media traction and policy responses were gained, but there was no toppling of leadership, and turnout was modest enough for the unity government to claim democratic legitimacy," the analyst said. The professor also said that ahead of the rally, the prime minister's announcement of RM100 cash aid for all Malaysians and slashing Ron95 petrol prices to RM1.99/litre, was deemed as a catalysed government response to the rally. "It's widely interpreted as an effort to defuse public anger and dampen turnout. "The administration's decision to respond with targeted aid and fuel price relief reflects a willingness to listen and adapt which indicates responsiveness rather than confrontation," Awang Azman said.

Russia launches direct flights to North Korea amid closer ties
Russia launches direct flights to North Korea amid closer ties

The Sun

time10 hours ago

  • The Sun

Russia launches direct flights to North Korea amid closer ties

MOSCOW: Russia initiated direct commercial flights to North Korea on Sunday, marking a significant step in deepening relations between the two nations. The first flight, operated by Nordwind Airlines, departed Moscow for Pyongyang, with tickets priced at 45,000 rubles (\$570). The route will operate once a month, according to Russia's transport ministry. Nordwind Airlines, previously focused on European holiday destinations before EU sanctions, now facilitates this strategic air link. The return flight from Pyongyang to Moscow is scheduled for Tuesday, as reported by Russia's state news agency TASS. The resumption of direct flights follows the restoration of train links on June 17, which had been suspended since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The move underscores growing cooperation, including military collaboration, with North Korea supplying troops and weapons for Russia's operations in Ukraine. Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a mutual defence pact during Putin's visit to Pyongyang. In April, North Korea confirmed deploying soldiers to Ukraine's frontline alongside Russian forces. – AFP

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store