Cash aid to help B40, M40 and hardcore poor
The Bantuan Khas Covid-19 (BKC), which was announced under the Perikatan Nasional government's latest aid package for the people, the Pakej Perlindungan Rakyat dan Pemulihan Ekonomi (Pemulih), has been lauded for being better targeted at those who need it.
This was because the categories of targeted recipients have been broadened, and it also includes a three-month assistance for the hardcore poor groups.
Liyana Zafirah Zulkefley, 24, who is a single person under the B40 category, said the BKC is a good initiative in helping the people survive during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"A huge population in the country have been greatly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"With this cash aid, it will ease our burden, especially those who have been terminated from work or forced to take pay cuts.
"This shows a continuous effort from the government, especially when the hardcore poor groups are included, and the assistance seems to be more focused for them.
"For me, the BKC is my safety net as we live day-to-day in uncertainty under this pandemic situation. This initiative would mean a lot to other people, especially those who are really in need of it," the Kedah-born physical design engineer told the New Straits Times yesterday.
BKC, which was announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin under Pemulih on June 28, is targeted to benefit over 11 million households, senior citizens and singles in the B40, M40 and hardcore poor categories.
This assistance is in addition to the Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat (BPR) announced in Pemerkasa Plus previously where the government agreed to give aid of up to RM500 in July.
Salahudeen Bahurdeen, 27, was one of the beneficiaries of the cash aid.
"With the current economic climate, no one's job is safe. Hence, there is no guarantee our income will be paid in time.
"So, we must take advantage of any sort of financial aid provided for us. At least I can keep and utilise it in case of emergency," he said when contacted recently.
Shafiq Ameer, 30, said although he is still able to work from home and his income has not been affected, he found that his expenses have gone up since the pandemic began.
This was because he had to upgrade his Internet connection at home for the ease of use related to his work.
"I will use the money to pay off the bills when I receive the aid.
"Some might complain that the cash aid is not a large sum, but it is still money that we can benefit from," he said.
Mother of two Rosalwani Che Soh, 40, expressed her gratitude over the continuous assistance provided by the government to help those affected by Covid-19.
Rosalwani, from Kota Baru, was diagnosed with Covid-19 and has since recovered. She said the aid received thus far has been very useful to her and others from the low-income group.
"Receiving the RM100 special assistance for Covid patients was a blessing for me. The money that I received recently went towards my daily expenses.
"The decision by the government to continue helping the needy during this pandemic period shows that it is really concerned about our welfare," she added.
Factory workers Siti Nur Aishah Zainuddin, 25, and Siti Nur Atiqah Md Sobri, 24, from Parit Buntar, Perak, agreed that the aid was timely and useful.
"Any aid received during these hard times is a blessing. Even though the amount is modest, with proper planning, it will really help me survive," said Siti Nur Aishah.
"I am thankful to have received aid from the government as it will help us if there are any emergencies, especially since work has been uncertain," said Siti Nur Atiqah. Additional reporting by Sharifah Mahsinah - NST
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