RM100 if you do not earn enough

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians earning less than RM100,000 annually will be given a RM100 ewallet credit by the Government soon.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) said RM1bil had been allocated for the purpose.

“The number of eligible recipients is estimated to be more than 10 million,” he said at the Securities Commissions Malaysia headquarters here yesterday when launching the “Madani Economy: Empowering the Rakyat” initiative. More details on the ewallet credit initiative will be revealed soon.

“The success of the eBeliaRahmah (eBR) programme not only benefitted two million youths, it also helped the business sector generate income, aside from (helping create) a cashless society.

“Having seen the success of that ewallet credit programme, the government will be offering a RM100 ewallet credit to adults,” said Anwar.

He also said special appreciation welfare assistance of RM300 will be given to civil servants below Grade 56 and RM200 to civil service retirees, which also includes those who have not received their pensions.

“This special assistance will benefit 1.3 million civil servants, including (those in) contract appointments, as well as more than one million retirees,” he added.

Anwar said the Madani Economy narrative is to empower the government, NGOs, the private sector and Malaysians as a whole.

“Beginning now, all ministries will announce specific plans to strengthen the Madani Economy narrative,” he said, adding that his main priority is to rebuild the nation’s fiscal capacity.

“We are all aware of the nation’s present debt situation. If there are no reforms, we will be facing a very serious crisis that could affect the country’s structure,” he said.

Tax revenue alone is not enough to sustain operational costs and the government has to take out loans to spend on development, he added.

“Tax revenue on the gross domestic product has been reduced to about 12% of GDP, which is the lowest in (the region).

“We have also spent a lot on various subsidies and it has benefitted those who are not in the target groups. We need a more efficient targeted subsidy mechanism so that our limited revenue can be spent on those who really need it,” he said.

Anwar also said the government will not neglect the welfare of Malaysians challenged by the cost of living.

“We will continue helping those who are in need,” he said.