By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, Oct 10 — Balakong state assemblyman Ong Chun Wei has requested the state government increase the Jom Shopping vouchers' quota for Deepavali this year to accommodate the needs of his Hindu constituents.
He said besides the Chinese population, Balakong is also home to a significant Indian community, at approximately 7,000 to 8,000 people, with the majority being lower and middle-income earners.
"We have already started receiving applications for these shopping vouchers from Indian residents since it opened last week. We are registering them first because the voucher allocation will be discussed tomorrow.
"However, I hope there will be a larger allocation compared to the approximately 400 to 500 vouchers allocated in previous years. We want to benefit as many less fortunate residents as possible," Ong told SelangorKini.
The vouchers, worth RM200 each, are often anticipated by the public whenever the festive season approaches, as it helps with their purchase of essential items.
"Especially now when the country is dealing with rising living costs. The state government is aware of this, hence why this initiative was created," he said.
During the tabling of the 2023 Selangor Budget on November 25 last year, RM16.48 million was allocated for the Jom Shopping voucher programme, which was expected to benefit 82,400 recipients.
In addition to Deepavali, it also provides for less privileged families celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year.
The vouchers' value was also increased from RM100 to RM200 in response to the economic situation and the needs of the people.
