Malaysia distributes RM1.1 billion in aid to 5.4 million recipients
Around four million low-income households qualify for up to RM500, with separate payments of RM150 for eligible single senior citizens.
Malaysia’s fourth round of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) cash assistance will provide RM1.1 billion for 5.4 million recipients to help with living expenses, according to reports by The Edge Malaysia and Bernama.
The Edge Malaysia reported that around four million households qualify for as much as RM500 each, provided their gross income does not exceed RM5,000 a month. The programme also covers 1.4 million eligible single senior citizens, each entitled to RM150.
Bernama cited Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who also serves as finance minister, as saying that payments would be made progressively between Nov. 4 and Nov. 6. Disbursements for newly approved applications and successful appeals are due to start on Nov. 16.
The aid will go into beneficiaries’ bank accounts. Those who do not have accounts can obtain their payments in cash through Bank Simpanan Nasional branches.
Anwar said the payments coincide with Deepavali and reach several ethnic communities, with more than 630,000 Indian recipients included. He expressed hope that the assistance would relieve financial pressure on households celebrating the festival.
