BY NUR FARIHAN RAZALI
MUKAH: The federal government has agreed to give a RM100 e-cash credit to all Malaysian adults earning RM100,000 a year and below.
According to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, this initiative will include the B40 and M40 groups and it is estimated that more than 10 million people will receive it, costing around RM1bil.
New Sarawak Tribune interviewed four members of the public for their thoughts.
WILLIAM DING, 24
“This initiative is one of the best efforts by the federal government because it can ease the burden of people who are less fortunate. Both the B40 and M40 groups deserve it, but it would be better if the amount for the B40 group is increased. Considering the current economic situation, I hope that this assistance will continue and that the amount can be increased to RM200 if the economy remains unstable.”
JULIA SENIA CHUNDAU, 24
“I agree with this initiative because it can ease the financial burden of the B40 and M40 groups, especially when the cost of living is increasing day by day. RM100 can also be used to buy basic necessities such as rice, sugar, cooking oil and so on.”
MUHAMAD HAZZANIF HAMID, 24
“The RM100 e-cash credit initiative has its advantages and disadvantages in the long and short term. Short term, the e-cash allows recipients to use online transactions and boost purchasing power in a short period of time. However, RM100 is not enough to cover daily expenses of the B40 and M40 groups because with the current increase in the price of goods and the high inflation rate, it is not logical at all. The RM1bil is better spent on other sectors such as health, education and infrastructure. The initiative cannot increase monthly income to remove the B40 group from the poverty line.”
EMELLIA TONG HIN, 24
“This RM100 e-cash credit offer is certainly beneficial to the community because this initiative to some extent helps ease their financial burden. The public can also spend quickly and easily through this initiative. However, for the rural community, this initiative is somewhat less effective considering the poor internet connection, and not all places use the e-wallet service.”
