The government allocated RM58.1 billion in total subsidies, said Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has allocated a total of RM58.1 billion in subsidies in 2024 in an effort to help the people, especially the vulnerable groups in this country.
According to Sinar Harian, the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, the provision of the allocations according to sectors including consumerism, livelihood, education, loan scholarships, agricultural sector, benefits and others.
He said that the figure was received by him after asking the Ministry of Finance to collect the amount of the allocation.
“For example, we know in the Mercy Cash Donation (STR) I have already mentioned that in 2022 instead of 2024, the increase is billions. Now it has reached RM10 billion from the amount of RM2,000 to RM3,700.
“This should be understood because sometimes people think that targeting these subsidies does not benefit the people.
“For example the Rice Price Subsidy Scheme (SSHP), we are increasing it. We will increase the purchase price of rice sharply from 2021, 2022 and until 2024,” he said during the Prime Minister’s Question Time session at the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday.
He answered an additional question from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) who asked to what extent the subsidy reform agenda will affect the survival of the people in this country.
According to Anwar, one of the steps taken by the government to help the people in facing the cost of living that the whole world is currently facing is by increasing subsidies
“So we withdraw subsidies from those who are not entitled to, including foreigners, we give additional subsidies to the people.
“Help is thought to have an effect among the people, that’s why the subsistence rate was raised to RM1,200, early schooling assistance for all students from families with an income of RM3,000 and below was given an allocation of RM800 million with a benefit of RM5 million.
“It means that the government accepts the fact that there is indeed a problem, if there is no problem why should subsidies be added to the people, this is how we try to reduce the burden on the people,” he said.