Payung Rahmah is Salahuddin's legacy and must continue, says Zahid

PONTIAN: The Payung Rahmah initiative should be continued by Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub's successor at the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the people, especially the low-income group (B40) and the hardcore poor, are hoping that the initiative can continue due to the current increase in the cost of living.

"He was a very good person and very hardworking. He was very dedicated in carrying out his duties, especially the Payung Rahmah initiative.

"It should be continued because the people will definitely remember his contribution to the country through the Payung Rahmah scheme," he told reporters after paying his last respects to Salahuddin at Jalan Sulong Muslim cemetery in Serkat here on Monday (July 24).

During his tenure, Salahuddin implemented various initiatives under the Payung Rahmah initiative to help people face various challenges related to the rising cost of living, especially when the country and the economy were recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Senator Fuziah Salleh also said, the ministry would continue the Payung Rahmah initiative.

"This initiative is a translation of his love and affection for people in need. Please pray that we can continue the legacy of the Payung Rahmah initiative for the people of this country.

"The country has lost a hardworking, committed and caring leader," she added. – Bernama