KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 — The government has approved an additional RM1 million allocation for every parliamentary constituency, to be channelled directly towards addressing urgent needs and providing immediate aid to the people, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He added that the extra funding would enable local welfare, basic amenities and community issues to be addressed quickly without excessive bureaucracy.
He said the allocation demonstrates the Madani Government’s commitment to strengthening assistance for the people at the grassroots level.
“The allocation has never been reduced. In fact, today I want to announce an additional RM1 million for every parliamentary constituency, directly for the people,” he said in his wind-up speech at the Keadilan National Congress at Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) here today.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the additional allocation complements existing social protection initiatives, including the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), which collectively amount to RM16 billion.
The prime minister said eradicating poverty and easing cost-of-living pressures remain the Madani Government’s priorities, with the hardcore poverty rate having been reduced to 0.09 per cent.
“Translating macroeconomic success into improvements at the microeconomic level is done through programmes that champion the welfare of the people. Whether B40 or M40; school aid, Rahmah sales and housing financing support are provided comprehensively without marginalising any community,” he said.
Anwar also urged party leaders and machinery at the branch and grassroots levels to visit their communities and explain various government initiatives to ensure aid reaches those who need it.
He said this is important to ensure people not only know what aid is available, but also benefit from the government’s various policies and programmes.
