Govt mulls scheme to raise incomes of low-income group

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 Lim Guan Eng – Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is considering creating a programme to raise the incomes of low income earners, says Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.

He said the scheme will involve both the government and private sector, which will provide job opportunities to the group.

“The matter is being studied as to how we can ensure its effectiveness, besides creating business opportunities.

“An income supplement scheme is proposed, and the government will see how we can raise incomes of the group in order to encourage employers to employ them,” he said at the Dewan Rakyat here today.

Lim was replying to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (PH-Tanah Merah) on an integrated programme that involves all Finance Ministry agencies to help the low-income earners.

“I am more keen on such a programme if there are financial resources available, as its focus could bring obvious benefits to household incomes thus expanding the economy,” Lim said.

He said as of March 3, over 1.5 million applications, including from 310,000 new applicants, have been received for the Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) or cost of living assistance scheme.

“As the registration or updating date for BSH 2019 just ended on March 15, the total number of applicants is yet to be known.

“As announced by the government, BSH 2019 is expected to benefit more than four million households and involve an allocation of nearly RM5 billion,” he added.

Registration for BSH 2019 began on Feb 1 this year.

Lim stressed that the government will ensure all its financial assistance is effective and benefits the target groups especially the B40. – Bernama