Latest news with #SumbanganTunaiRahmah
Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
RM52.7 Million Disbursed To Nearly 47,000 STR Recipients Without Bank Accounts
SEMPORNA, July 26 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has disbursed a total of RM52.7 million to 46,568 recipients of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) initiative, who do not have bank accounts, through a series of nationwide distribution programmes to date. Treasury deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Zamzuri Abdul Aziz said the disbursement involved 31 locations across Sabah's interior, benefiting 23,105 recipients, while a similar initiative was carried out at 25 locations in Sarawak, reaching 20,775 recipients. 'In the interior regions of Peninsular Malaysia, the programme is specifically conducted for the Orang Asli communities across four locations - Gua Musang in Kelantan; Jerantut and Lipis in Pahang; and Hulu Perak in Perak - involving a total of 2,688 recipients,' he said. 'Today, 3,300 recipients from Pulau Bum Bum and Pulau Mabul, here, are benefiting from the STR disbursement programme,' he said to reporters after overseeing the implementation of the initiative on Pulau Bum Bum. He added that apart from not having bank accounts, nearly 47,000 STR recipients living in remote areas also face significant challenges in accessing cash disbursements at Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) branches, due to long travel distances and the necessity of boat transport. Meanwhile, housewife Atikah Noor Najib, 34, from Kampung Balimbang, described the government's initiative, led by the MOF, to implement the STR disbursement programme on Pulau Bum Bum, as a clear demonstration of concern for residents in remote areas. 'Previously, I would receive an STR voucher, and had to travel to the BSN branch on the mainland in Semporna. The boat fare was RM2 one way, and the bus fare to the bank was RM3. So, a round trip cost about RM10, and that's only if I went alone, and my house is also located near the jetty,' she said. 'This move really helps islanders like us - it makes the process much more convenient,' she added, noting that she uses the STR assistance to buy school essentials for her children and younger siblings. For Kampung Lok Butun resident, Kamis Bata, 62, the STR payout on the island signals a government that is more attentive to the challenges faced by rural communities.
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah: RM52.7 million disbursed to 46,568 without bank accounts
Published on: Sunday, July 27, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 27, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: SEMPORNA: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has disbursed a total of RM52.7 million to 46,568 recipients of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) initiative, who do not have bank accounts, through a series of nationwide distribution programmes to date. Treasury Deputy Secretary-General (Policy) Datuk Zamzuri Abdul Aziz said the disbursement involved 31 locations across Sabah's interior, benefiting 23,105 recipients, while a similar initiative was carried out at 25 locations in Sarawak, reaching 20,775 recipients. 'In the interior regions of Peninsular Malaysia, the programme is specifically conducted for the Orang Asli communities across four locations - Gua Musang in Kelantan; Jerantut and Lipis in Pahang; and Hulu Perak in Perak - involving a total of 2,688 recipients,' he said. 'Today, 3,300 recipients from Pulau Bum Bum and Pulau Mabul, here, are benefiting from the STR disbursement programme,' he told reporters after overseeing the implementation of the initiative on Pulau Bum Bum. He added that apart from not having bank accounts, nearly 47,000 STR recipients living in remote areas also face significant challenges in accessing cash disbursements at Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) branches, due to long travel distances and the necessity of boat transport. Housewife Atikah Noor Najib, 34, from Kampung Balimbang, described the Government's initiative, led by the MOF, to implement the STR disbursement programme on Pulau Bum Bum, as a clear demonstration of concern for residents in remote areas. 'Previously, I would receive an STR voucher, and had to travel to the BSN branch on the mainland in Semporna. The boat fare was RM2 one way, and the bus fare to the bank was RM3. So, a round trip cost about RM10, and that's only if I went alone, and my house is also located near the jetty,' she said. 'This move really helps islanders like us - it makes the process much more convenient,' she added, noting that she uses the STR assistance to buy school essentials for her children and younger siblings. For Kampung Lok Butun resident, Kamis Bata, 62, the STR payout on the island signals a government that is more attentive to the challenges faced by rural communities. 'From my village, just getting to the jetty costs RM3 by van, then RM2 for the boat from Balimbang Jetty. After that, there's another fare to reach the bank. This new approach by the Government really shows that it's listening to the people's struggles,' he said. Jamal Lumaadan, 48, a military veteran from Kampung Hampalan Darat Tengah, described the STR aid as a lifeline for his family. He said the STR disbursement held on Pulau Bum Bum has made it significantly easier for local residents to access much-needed assistance. 'Today, I received RM1,000 in STR assistance. The money will go toward purchasing household essentials and school needs for my children. I'm especially grateful because I'm currently unable to work due to a fractured leg,' he said. 'Without today's programme, it would have been very difficult for me to travel far - even getting on a boat while walking with a cane would have been a struggle. Thank you, government,' he added. The STR disbursement in interior areas is coordinated by the MOF through the Sabah and Sarawak branches of the Treasury, with support from the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) and district offices. On Pulau Bum Bum, the STR payment programme began as early as 7am, with two main counters set up - an IRB counter to verify recipient lists, and a BSN counter to handle STR payment transactions. Additionally, a Rahmah Sales programme was also held, to provide essential goods at affordable prices. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Sun
RM52.7m STR aid reaches 47,000 recipients without bank accounts
SEMPORNA: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has distributed RM52.7 million to 46,568 recipients of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) initiative who lack bank accounts. The nationwide programme has reached remote communities in Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia, ensuring financial aid reaches those in need. Treasury deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Zamzuri Abdul Aziz confirmed that 23,105 recipients in Sabah and 20,775 in Sarawak have benefited from the initiative. 'In Peninsular Malaysia, the programme specifically targets Orang Asli communities in Gua Musang, Jerantut, Lipis, and Hulu Perak, assisting 2,688 recipients,' he said. Today, 3,300 residents of Pulau Bum Bum and Pulau Mabul received their STR payments. Zamzuri noted that many recipients face challenges accessing Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) branches due to long travel distances and reliance on boat transport. Housewife Atikah Noor Najib, 34, from Kampung Balimbang, praised the initiative. 'Previously, I had to travel to Semporna by boat and bus, costing RM10 per trip. This direct disbursement saves us time and money,' she said. Kamis Bata, 62, from Kampung Lok Butun, echoed her sentiments. 'The government's effort shows they understand our struggles,' he said, highlighting the high transport costs faced by rural communities. Military veteran Jamal Lumaadan, 48, described the aid as crucial for his family. 'With a fractured leg, traveling would have been impossible. This assistance helps cover household and school expenses,' he said. The STR programme is coordinated by MOF with support from IRB, BSN, JAKOA, and district offices. On Pulau Bum Bum, verification and payment counters operated from 7 am, alongside a Rahmah Sales initiative offering affordable essentials. - Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
6 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
We're only doing our job as opposition, Sarawak DAP tells GPS
Sarawak DAP's Michael Kong said it is unrealistic to expect the government to slash new borrowings from RM99 billion to zero within one to two years. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : Sarawak DAP has fired back at Gabungan Parti Sarawak assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang for condemning the party's continuous attacks against GPS, calling it an attempt to stifle legitimate dissent and scrutiny. Michael Kong, an aide to Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen, said the party was simply fulfilling its role as the opposition and check and balance in the Sarawak assembly. 'Our duty is to represent the people, question excesses, and hold the government accountable. That is what a healthy democracy demands,' Kong said in a statement. Earlier, Lo said Sarawak DAP's repeated attacks on GPS called the government's unity into question. The Batu Kitang assemblyman said previous apologies from DAP over past offensive statements were discredited by their actions of repeatedly undermining Sarawak's leadership. Lo pointed out that DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook and adviser Lim Guan Eng had apologised to GPS over past statements by DAP leaders that offended the Sarawak government and people. He said these apologies, made before the unity government's formation, were quickly discredited by Sarawak DAP's actions. 'Sarawak DAP has done nothing but oppose GPS at every turn, questioning our policies, casting doubt on our initiatives, and repeatedly undermining Sarawak's leadership,' he said. Kong also slammed GPS assemblyman Wilfred Yap, who criticised the federal government for sidelining East Malaysia despite debt reduction by RM22 billion over the last two years. He said it is unrealistic to expect the government to slash new borrowings from RM99 billion to zero within one to two years, and that Yap's criticism 'reeks of double standards and selective outrage' 'It is deeply hypocritical for Yap to condemn the reduction of federal borrowings while applauding the Sarawak government's budgetary approach, which sees an increasing reliance on debt through its so-called 'alternative funding' mechanism,' he said. Kong also questioned Yap's criticism of the recently announced RM100 cash aid by the government to all Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above. 'Cash handouts are one of the most effective ways to directly channel financial aid to the people, particularly those in the B40 group. 'Is Yap now suggesting that programmes such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah should be discontinued because they are also cash handouts? 'If he truly opposes cash aid, he must also be prepared to tell the people of Sarawak that they should not receive any form of direct financial assistance,' he said.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Stakeholders await details on RON95 targeted subsidy
Uncertain: Stakeholders are now awaiting information on how the RON95 targeted subsidy will be implemented. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star PETALING JAYA: Stakeholders are awaiting further details from the Finance Ministry on the implementation of the RON95 petrol targeted subsidy, which is set to benefit some 18 million Malaysians. As a detailed announcement is expected by the end of September, they say the mechanism must not be burdensome and prolong queues at petrol pumps. The Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) said it will engage with the Finance Ministry before making further announcements. 'PDAM welcomes the Prime Minister's announcement to reduce the RON95 pump price to RM1.99 per litre, and we fully support the government's commitment to easing the rakyat's financial burden,' the association said when contacted. 'However, numerous grey areas remain concerning the implementation mechanism, as well as the operational and financial implications for petrol station dealers. 'These uncertainties require further clarification. 'We will be seeking direct engagement with the Finance Ministry to obtain detailed information.' The Star has also learnt that the National Registration Department (NRD) is also awaiting for the Finance Ministry's direction on how the MyKad will be used in the implementation. However, drawing on the experience of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah, a spokesman for the department said the chip on the MyKad must be in working condition. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Wednesday that the price of RON95 petrol will soon be reduced to RM1.99 per litre under a targeted subsidy scheme with further details to be announced by the end of September. Meanwhile, content executive Tan Ah Wah, 36, said the government should come up with a refuelling system that is time efficient if the MyKad is to be used as a verification tool for fuel subsidies. 'Whenever I refuel my car, I just do it right away at the credit card terminal at the petrol pump and a full tank usually takes about three minutes. With IC verification, it may take up to 20 minutes to refuel. 'An efficient time system is essential so that we do not waste time refuelling our cars,' he added. Accountant Shakira Wong, 33, believed that using MyKad may be efficient when it comes to filtering eligible subsidy recipients but it may also prolong time at the petrol pump. 'One option would be for petrol companies to link ICs to their apps for face verification when registering. 'If still required to line-up and be verified, that's okay too but perhaps the busier stations can set-up self-order kiosks where people can just key in their IC number. 'Most foolproof way is still going to the counter as the cashier can see if the person filling is the same as the person in the IC,' she added. E-hailing driver Zamzuri Ali, 25, said there must be a digital system in place to avoid queues at the counter. 'It will be tedious if one needs to verify at the counter. It could result in long queues,' he said.
