SHAH ALAM, Oct 4 — The Tabung Warisan Anak Selangor (TAWAS)helps ease the burden on families, particularly by providing funds for children’s educational needs when they reach the age of 18.
The state government initiative, administered by Yayasan Warisan Anak Selangor (YAWAS), provides financial benefits to children born in Selangor, including to cover tuition fees and the purchase of learning materials.
It has allocated over RM31 million this year to provide RM1,500 in benefits to 21,000 recipients from the first TAWAS cohort.
For Christina Shiyamalah, 43, the RM1,500 her eldest son Vishal Sunthararajan received will be used for his studies at the Malaysian Maritime Academy (ALAM) in Melaka.
“I am happy that my son has received this benefit; it will be used to pay his tuition fees. I hope future generations will also receive benefits like this,” she said.
For Fatimah Che Kar, 43, the assistance eases the burden on parents in providing for their children’s educational needs.
The housewife from Sijangkang said her eldest son, who is now 18, has continued his studies and the money will be used for his learning needs.
“This assistance is good because it can be used to buy a computer or other necessities, helping to ease the burden on students and parents.
“At least, this money can be given to the child to cover expenses while studying,” she said.
Meanwhile, Shiyamalah Nadarajan said the money received would be used by her son, who is also currently studying at ALAM.
She registered her son for TAWAS in 2008 while attending an exhibition to arrange his birth certificate.
“My son turns 18 this Saturday (yesterday) and can make a claim using the TAWAS card that was given when we registered, as well as through the email notification,” Shiyamalah said.
Chan Wee Hong, who has three children, said the benefit helps families cope with the rising cost of living.
He learned about TAWAS through social media before obtaining further information from the state assemblyman for his area.
“Although the amount of assistance is not very large, it can help cover the cost of my child’s education,” he said.
Similarly, Kanga Devi said she planned to save the assistance for her child's needs, who is currently pursuing their Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM).
“I registered for TAWAS at the hospital after giving birth in 2008, and my child will also receive the assistance this Saturday (yesterday).
“This initiative is very helpful, especially for children from low-income families, including those in the B40 group,” she said.
Amiruddin Md Arif, 49, described the state government initiative as a beneficial offering to support his child upon reaching the age of 18.
“The application process is easier, as there is no need to go to the elected representative’s office; we only need to apply online.
“In my view, it should be continued for the people of Selangor. Even if my child wants to work first, that is fine because the money can be used for further studies later or for other purposes,” he said.
For Rohaimah Ahmad, 50, she learnt about the initiative before applying by visiting the elected representative’s office.
“When I learnt about this initiative, I immediately applied by going to the representative’s office.
“With this benefit, I can use it for my child’s needs at university. Although the amount is not much, Alhamdulillah (God be praised), it helps ease the process of their studies, including purchasing a tablet,” she said.
