By Norrasyidah Arshad
PETALING JAYA, Aug 2 — The provision of a targeted free water scheme saves the state government over RM100 million annually, enabling it to implement welfare programmes that benefit the people.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said that among the programmes is the increase of the Bantuan Kehidupan Sejahtera Selangor (Bingkas) initiative to RM300 per month, as well as organising more educational programmes.
Prior to the targeting measures' implementation, the state government spent RM200 million annually to realise Skim Air Darul Ehsan (SADE), which benefited all residents, including the affluent.
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Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari speaks at the Intan Minister’s Conversation event at the National Institute of Public Administration, Kuala Lumpur, on August 2, 2024. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“Everyone benefited, including those with swimming pools and multiple rental properties. After that, the state only provided it based on salary brackets, (those living in) low-cost housing, and now also funds the water costs for suraus and mosques.
“We targeted 600,000 users, but after three years (under the new conditions), only about 300,000 have registered. This means only those who need this assistance have applied. From RM200 million a year, we only need to spend between RM40 million and RM60 million.
“The surplus is focused on the people's economy. We have increased Bingkas and focused on education, collaborating with the Selangor Technical Skills Development Centre (STDC),” he said during the 'Ekonomi Madani: Pengalaman Selangor Untuk Malaysia' talk show today.
Amirudin added that the educational focus has produced approximately 2,000 trainees who are now receiving between 20 and 80 per cent in salary increases.
“STDC has partnered with Siemens-owned companies Mendix and Festo. This provides significant benefits to trainees, thereby improving the people's living standards,” he said.
In August 2022, the Menteri Besar said that about 100,000 more user accounts would enjoy 20 cubic meters of free water a month under SADE, with over RM30 million in costs fully borne by the state government.
This addition follows the increase in the minimum income limit eligible to receive the benefit from RM4,000 to RM5,000, with registration still open to residents until December 31 this year.
To qualify, applicants must be Malaysian citizens, their premises must be residential with individual meters, and only one account is eligible for application.
