JOHOR BARU – The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will soon introduce its “Payung Rahmah” programme to help address the rising costs of living for the hardcore poor.
Its minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said that the details of the programme will be announced next week.
Describing it as a short-term solution for the B40 group, Salahuddin said that the programme was a joint effort involving several ministries, including the economic affairs and agriculture and food security ministries.
“This is a targeted programme by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry for the first six months, to ensure that we cater to the needs of those at the bottom of the B40 group, which is regarded as extreme poverty.
“If they are not assisted properly, I’m afraid that they will be severely impacted by the economic downturn this year,” said Salahuddin during an Amanah event held in Kempas last night.
He added that Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli is also preparing short, middle, and long-term strategies to face the rising living costs.
Saifuddin said that National Action Council on Cost of Living meetings are also being co-chaired by the prime minister and the deputy prime ministers, which indicates the government’s seriousness about tackling the issue.
Meanwhile, the Pulai MP said that the list of goods included in the price control scheme for Chinese New Year will be announced by next week. – The Vibes, January 8, 2023
