CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The Finance Ministry plans to hold 10 Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) payment programmes for Orang Asli communities in remote areas across Peninsular Malaysia to ensure that recipients without bank accounts continue to receive government aid.
Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Johan Mahmood Merican said the programme in Cameron Highlands yesterday was the sixth to be held this year under the initiative, which was introduced in 2024 to expand access to financial assistance and government services in remote communities.
He said the Cameron Highlands programme was the first to be organised in the district and formed part of the 10 locations selected across Peninsular Malaysia, Bernama reported.
“This programme is specifically organised for STR recipients who do not have bank accounts so they can continue receiving government assistance in cash, in line with the government’s aspiration of ensuring that no one is left behind,” he said.
Johan told reporters this after checking on the programme in Kampung Orang Asli Menson here, where 113 Orang Asli recipients received STR payments totalling RM60,000.
Also present were the Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker, who is also Cameron Highlands MP Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor, and Cameron Highlands district officer Kamarul Iskandar Nordin.
Johan said similar STR payment programmes for Orang Asli communities in Sabah and Sarawak had been completed last month, covering 37 locations.
He added that the government was strengthening access to financial services in rural areas by deploying four additional mobile banking units this year, while encouraging recipients to open bank accounts to facilitate future aid disbursements.
Ramli said the programme had been well received by the Orang Asli community, as it facilitated the distribution of cash assistance and enabled them to access multiple government services, including obtaining identity documents, all in one place.
“Many Orang Asli are unable to access assistance through the banking system. By bringing together the relevant agencies, this programme ensures that aid reaches them efficiently,” he said.
Rahman Kuwasan, 59, from Kampung Kuala Boh here, expressed his gratitude after receiving the STR payment of RM250 for the first time, following several previously unsuccessful applications.
“I will use the aid to buy food supplies and keep the balance for future needs. I am relieved and happy that my application has finally been approved.
“I came here today to receive the cash payment. After this payment, the assistance will be deposited into my bank account, which will make it more convenient for me to withdraw the money,” he said.
Faridah Akok, 43, from Kampung Leryer, said the RM600 in STR assistance she received would be used for her two children’s schooling expenses.
She said the initiative to provide cash-out facilities closer to Orang Asli settlements had eased the burden on recipients, as she previously had to travel about an hour to access banking services.
The housewife hoped such initiatives would continue to make it easier for rural communities to receive government assistance.
