MOF Targets 10 STR Disbursement Programmes For Orang Asli Communities In Peninsular Malaysia

CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) is targeting the implementation of 10 Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) disbursement programmes specifically for the Orang Asli communities in the interior areas throughout Peninsular Malaysia.

Treasury Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance, Tan Sri Johan Mahmood Merican, said the implementation is to ensure that government assistance can be delivered to recipients who do not have bank accounts.

He said the programme in Cameron Highlands today is the sixth location implemented this year, and the initiative introduced in 2024 is also part of the government’s efforts to expand access to financial assistance and government services in the interior areas.

Johan Mahmood said the STR disbursement programme in Cameron Highlands is the first to be held in the district to complete the total of 10 locations in Peninsular Malaysia, including in Gua Musang, Rompin, Sungai Chincin and Sungai Siput.

“This programme is held specifically for STR recipients who do not have bank accounts so that they still receive government assistance in cash, in line with the government’s intention to ensure that no citizen is left behind in benefiting from assistance,” he said.

Johan Mahmood said this to reporters after inspecting the STR Disbursement Programme at Dewan Datuk Mohd Nor @ Bah Ayob, Kampung Orang Asli Menson here today.

Also present were Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat who is also Cameron Highlands Member of Parliament, Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor and Cameron Highlands District Officer, Kamarul Iskandar Nordin.

At the programme, a total of 113 Orang Asli community members received STR payments totalling RM60,000.

Johan Mahmood said the STR disbursement programme for the Orang Asli communities in Sabah and Sarawak was completed last month involving 37 locations, before the same initiative was expanded to the interior areas in Peninsular Malaysia.

Meanwhile, he said in addition to STR disbursement, the programme also brought together various government agencies to facilitate the Orang Asli community in accessing services in one location, including MyKad and birth certificate registration by the National Registration Department (JPN), Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) assistance, opening Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) accounts and MySalam protection.

“The government is also expanding the financial services network in the interior areas through the addition of four mobile banking units this year, in addition to encouraging recipients to open bank accounts to facilitate future assistance disbursement.

“A premises in the Orang Asli settlement in Cameron Highlands has also been registered as a MyKasih partner, bringing the total to nearly 50 SARA partner premises now operating in the district, including two in Orang Asli settlement areas,” said Johan Mahmood.

Meanwhile, Ramli said the programme received positive response from the Orang Asli community because it not only facilitated the receipt of cash assistance but also enabled them to settle various government matters, including obtaining identification documents in one location.

He said the initiative which brought together MOF, BSN, the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and JPN proves the government’s commitment to ensuring that assistance and basic services reach the communities in the interior areas.

“Many Orang Asli do not have the capability or means to obtain it through our banking system, so this programme brings together the Ministry of Finance, Bank Simpanan Nasional, and JAKOA, as well as LHDN to jointly resolve this delivery.

“At the same time, this programme can provide the necessary documents, especially through JPN, and this can also help identify Orang Asli community members who do not have documents, birth certificates and identity cards.”

He said through the programme, the relevant department will strive to process the related documents as quickly as possible, thus proving the government’s initiative in ensuring care in delivering assistance to the people.

BERNAMA