KUALA LUMPUR – The government will implement a proposal for the Social Welfare Department's monthly assistance of between RM200 and RM300 be increased to RM1,000.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that he will ensure that, under the caring government, eligible recipients of the assistance will have the same opportunities as any other in society.
“Taking into consideration the current economic situation and cost of living, I have proposed for the department's monthly assistance to eligible recipients be increased to RM1,000 from the current sum of between RM200 and RM300.
“And, of course, persons with disabilities (PwD) are included in this group of people, who will benefit from the increase. I will make sure that the proposal is implemented as soon as possible,” he said on Facebook in conjunction with International Day of Persons with Disabilities today.
It was reported that Muhyiddin had, in August this year, proposed the increase of the monthly allowance to help the disabled community, which is part of the B40 group, as part of the aspirations of the Perikatan Nasional government under his leadership.
Muhyiddin said the differently abled are part of the community, and will always be given attention by him and the government.
“I personally have gone to the ground to meet with this group, such as during my visits to the Desa Rejang PPR flats in Setapak, here, and the Taman Sri Keramat PPR in Putatan, Sabah,” he said.
He said the government, through the Finance Ministry, had announced several initiatives for the group during the recent tabling of Budget 2021, including the increase of monthly allowance for unemployed PwD from RM250 to RM300, for employed PwD from RM400 to RM450 and for PwD care from RM350 to RM500.
According to department records, he said the number of registered PwD in Malaysia now stands at 581,265, and he hopes the campaign to get more PwD registered will be intensified to ensure no one is left behind.
“This is important to ensure that they will not be left behind in getting government aid, especially in facing difficult times during the spread of the Covid-19.
“I pray that disabled persons will have the best place in society so that they can also contribute to the development of the country. Happy International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2020.” – Bernama, December 3, 2020
