By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Nov 11 — Selangor is developing alternative support mechanisms for recipients of the Bantuan Kehidupan Sejahtera Selangor (Bingkas), as many of the beneficiaries’ two-year eligibility period approaches its end.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari said the state government is studying initiatives to help recipients generate their own income and achieve financial independence.
“After two years of receiving Bingkas monthly, we want them to stand on their own feet, meaning they should not rely solely on government aid,” she said when contacted.
She said the study’s findings will be presented to stakeholders for feedback, with the ultimate goal of helping residents break free from hardcore poverty.
“This initiative is expected to bring significant benefits, especially as the Statistics Department recently released a formula for families’ income level criteria.
“Selangor’s cost of living is among the highest, so we really need to help (the people), and residents are indeed counting on the government for support,” she said.
Bingkas, one of 46 schemes under Iltizam Selangor Penyayang, provides eligible households with RM300 monthly for two years.
The initiative was expanded to include households earning RM5,000 and below, up from RM3,000 previously, with a total allocation of RM108 million.
