Yesterday (28 June), Prime Minister Muhyiddin announced a few initiatives that will be undertaken by the government to aid the struggling nation during the announcement of the National Recovery Plan (PEMUILH).
Muhyiddin announced that the latest aid package for the country is worth RM150 billion and is aimed at three central focus points, namely continuing the Prihatin Rakyat agenda, supporting businesses, and accelerating the vaccination rate of the nation.
In case you have missed the announcement, here’s everything you need to know:
Continuing the Prihatin Rakyat agenda
1. During Phase 3 of Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat (BPR), the government will be distributing financial aid ranging between payouts of RM100 to RM1,400.
2. A total of RM4.6 billion worth of Bantuan Khas Covid-19 (BKC) one-off cash handouts will be given to 11 million households, senior citizens, and singles in the B40 and M40 income groups.
- Low-income households – RM500 in August and November, RM300 in December.
- Low-income individuals – RM200 in August, RM300 in November.
- B40 households – RM500 in August, RM300 in December.
- B40 individuals – RM200 in August.
- M40 households – RM250 in August.
- M40 single individuals – RM100 August.
3. Those who are unemployed and have lost their sources of income will receive RM500 in October (based on their EPF and SOCSO data for this year).
4. Fresh graduates and workers in informal sectors who are not registered with SOCSO will receive RM300 allowance when registered with MyFurtureJobs.
5. RM300,000 will be given to all members of Parliament (MPs), including the opposition, to provide food aid to help their constituencies.
6. RM1 billion to cap the price of 5kg cooking oil at RM30.
7. Prices of RON95 petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will be maintained.
8. RM15 million will be allocated to non-government organisations (NGOs), to help the government handle psychosocial issues in the community.
9. Electricity bill discounts ranging between 5% to 40% for 3 months, starting this July – based on electric usage of respective households.
10. Free 1GB Data until 31 December 2021.
Supporting businesses
1. As an initiative to support businesses, RM600 in wage subsidies will be provided for four months to assist employers for every 500 employees under each employer.
2. RM500 cash handout over three months to 20,000 disabled people who have lost their jobs or sources of income.
3. RM100 million allocated to assist the entertainment sector – including musicians, actors, artists, and production crew.
4. A three-month moratorium (can extend their loan period for up to 36 months) for entrepreneurs with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) loans.
5. 30% discount for tenant premises will be extended until December 2021.
6. EPF withdrawals will be allowed under a new i-Citra programme – members can withdraw up to RM5,000 (at a rate of RM1,000 a month for five months).
7. A six-month moratorium for all individuals, regardless of whether they are from B40, M40 or T20 communities on their individual bank loans if needed.
8. A three-month moratorium for PTPTN borrowers, if needed.
9. Employers allowed to use 10% of HRD Levy to pay for vaccination and administration cost under PIKAS.
10. Tourism Tax and Service Tax extended to 31 December 2021.
11. Travel Agencies Special Grant: RM3,000.
12. Hiring Incentive: Minimum salary reduced to RM1,200.
13. Canteen Operator Special Assistance: RM1,000.
14. Childcare/Kindergarten Special Assitance: RM,3,000.
15. Sports Centre/Gymnasium Special Assitance: RM3,000.
Speeding up the vaccination rate
1. RM400 million allocated to increase vaccine supplies within the country to speed up the National Covid-19 Immunisation (PICK) Programme.
2. RM200 million allocated to open new vaccination centres and improve outreach programmes.
3. Increased allowances (from RM50 to RM100 per day) for vaccination centre volunteers.
4. Additional RM600 allowance (for six months) for healthcare professionals stationed at vaccination centres.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comment section below!
Also Read: PEMULIH: Up To 40% Discount Off Electricity Bills For 3 Months Starting July
