About 20,000 In Singapore Affected By Subsidy Error Due To System Glitch
SINGAPORE, July 21 (Bernama) -- About 20,000 individuals in Singapore were affected by a processing error in the Health Ministry's means-testing system, resulting in incorrect subsidy or grant amounts, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Monday.
In a statement, MOH said that in the majority of cases, individuals received higher-than-intended subsidies or grants while a minority received lower-than-intended amounts.
bootstrap slideshow
The ministry said that in January, the Household Means Eligibility System (HOMES) was unable to appropriately account for the business income of selected individuals following changes in data processing timelines.
This led to inaccurate means-testing for individuals with business income and their household members between Jan 1 and 27.
'These affected individuals represent less than three per cent of all individuals means-tested during this period. Corrections to subsidy and grant levels are in progress,' the ministry said.
About 19,000 individuals were affected under MOH schemes, while around 1,000 were impacted for schemes under the Early Childhood Development Agency, Social and Family Development Ministry, Education Ministry, and Infocomm Media Development Authority.
MOH said those who received an over-subsidy will not be required to return the overpaid amounts, while reimbursement payments to those who received lower-than-intended subsidies or grants will be completed by November 2025.
'Agencies will reach out to inform affected individuals progressively,' MOH said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Health Ministry works with NGOs to combat HIV
KOTA BARU: Kelantan Health Director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said collaboration between the Health Ministry (MOH), his department and health-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is vital in engaging high-risk groups, including intravenous drug users and men who have sex with men (MSM). He said their collaboration enhanced awareness of disease prevention, early diagnosis and timely treatment to avoid serious complications. "The Health Ministry is referring to recent news coverage on an outreach activity by Sahabat, an NGO operating under the guidance of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF). "Sahabat is a strategic partner of the Kelantan Health Department and has worked closely with us since 2006 in implementing health education and field activities targeting high-risk populations, including intravenous drug users and MSM," he said. Zaini said health education plays a crucial role in protecting close contacts, including wives and children, who may be at risk of HIV infection. He added that the outreach efforts also focused on raising awareness about HIV, sexually transmitted infections and Hepatitis C. "The MOH remains committed to a public health approach that prioritises disease prevention, early intervention and access to treatment for all, in line with the national health policy that respects religious values and cultural sensitivities," he said. Kelantan police foiled a secret gathering involving more than 100 gay men in Pengkalan Chepa last month, which was believed to be on the verge of escalating into immoral activities. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the event took place at a rented bungalow in Kemumin in mid-June, following a tip-off from the public regarding a planned closed-door event involving a gay group in Kota Baru.
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Johor Bahru bus drivers strike disrupts Singapore commute
JOHOR BAHRU: Private employee Saiful Umar, 37, was among thousands caught off guard when around 100 Malaysian bus drivers operating to Singapore suddenly went on strike early this morning at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI). 'I was shocked, there was no information at all (on a strike),' he said. Passengers arriving as early as 5 am found no bus services, forcing some to walk one to two kilometres across the Johor Causeway to reach workplaces in Singapore. Saiful, who had to walk nearly two kilometres to Woodlands before getting a ride back to Tampoi, expressed frustration over the lack of prior notice. 'This situation is not only inconvenient but also affects our work and image,' he told Bernama. A viral video showed crowds at BSI at 5.30 am due to the halted bus services. Reports suggest the strike stemmed from drivers' dissatisfaction over salary adjustments and allowance cuts, allegedly reducing their monthly pay from RM2,800-RM2,900 to below RM2,000. Another passenger, K. Ramesh, 40, called the situation 'ridiculous,' urging the bus company to resolve the issue swiftly. 'This affects our daily routine and careers,' he said. Bus driver Atoi, 35, confirmed about 100 drivers began striking at 5 am in protest. By evening, services resumed, with no further disruptions observed. Johor Public Works Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh confirmed the incident, having monitored operations with Singapore's LTA and bus operators earlier. – Bernama
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Sarawak unity drives sustainable growth towards 2030 vision
KUCHING: The unity of Sarawak's diverse communities remains the cornerstone of the state's progress as it advances towards becoming a high-income and developed region by 2030, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Marking Sarawak Day 2025 under the theme 'Sarawak Maju Makmur' (Progressive and Prosperous Sarawak), he emphasised the state's commitment to inclusive growth through the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. 'The Sarawak government will continue implementing PCDS 2030 to ensure socio-economic prosperity for all,' he stated in a Facebook post by the Office of the Premier. The Premier also outlined key focus areas, including digital economy expansion, AI adoption, and sustainable environmental practices. Sectors like oil and gas, plantations, tourism, and modern agriculture will receive accelerated development to bolster economic resilience. Education remains a priority, with free higher education in selected fields at state-owned universities starting next year. 'This initiative allows students to focus on their studies while easing financial burdens on families,' he added. Abang Johari reaffirmed Sarawak's dedication to safeguarding its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and thanked organisers for ensuring a successful Sarawak Day celebration in Miri. 'May Sarawak continue to prosper and serve as Malaysia's harmony model,' he concluded. – Bernama
