The Keluarga Malaysia (Family Malaysia) programme introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob back in August 2021 has seen its fair share of backlash as Malaysians condemned the unnecessary use of public funds.
However, the exact amount has recently been revealed, much to the criticism of Malaysians.
In a written response, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob revealed that RM5 million had been spent to promote the Keluarga Malaysia programme.
Ismail Sabri mentioned that the overall cost for the ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ campaign is RM5 million, which is used for communication plans, creative materials, short videos, audio recordings, TV slots, radio slots, social media as well as billboards.
“Use the money for actually useful things.”
The Prime Minister’s response has gone viral on social media, where netizens had much to say about it.
“UMNO politicians’ speciality (is to) create useless programmes to get government money,” said a user.
Another user commented, “The actual advertising campaign would cost, at most, RM500,000. The rest goes into their pocket.”
“Nobody wants this stupid Keluarga Malaysia programme. Please use the money for actually useful things,” said another user.
Is RM5 million even enough?
On the other hand, some netizens said that RM5 million is not even much; hence it is normal.
“RM5 million seems small. People in marketing should agree.”
A user said, “As someone that works in marketing, RM500,00 is just not enough for a campaign this size, so RM5 million sounds realistic.”
However, a user pointed out that the issue is not about the amount of money but what it is actually used for.
“RM5 million spent on advertising and promotion is not the problem. However the problem is when you promote one thing and do otherwise. That’s wasting public funds,” explained the netizen.
What do you think about the overall amount? Is it necessary?
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