GEORGE TOWN – Penang has urged recipients of its i-Sejahtera aid programme to register for e-banking, so as to make it easier for payments to be disbursed and in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said cash payments require recipients to be physically present, which could lead to crowds and an increased risk of getting infected.
“More than 50% of recipients have registered and received their payments through EFT (electronic fund transfer).”
State welfare exco Phee Boon Poh previously said Penang has decided to postpone the disbursement of cash aid to 4,170 single mothers and 17,644 elderly folk due to rising Covid-19 cases.
The funds were supposed to be given out today and tomorrow, but now, they will be banked in for recipients who register for the e-banking option before November 15.
Phee gave an assurance that those who prefer cash payments will still get the aid, but it will be delayed.
The i-Sejahtera scheme generally covers students who perform well, senior citizens, single mothers, the elderly, the disabled and low-income households.
The aid is between RM130 and RM1,000 according to category.
A total of 191,858 senior citizens have registered for the programme, of whom 157,335 receive the aid in cash.
Phee has urged people to teach their elderly relatives how to use EFT, and for banks to set up counters catering to those registering for the first time.
“E-banking is the way of the future.” – The Vibes, October 24, 2020
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