JOHOR BARU: For single mothers like Lim who has to work four jobs to survive, the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) announced under Budget 2023 could not have been more timely.
The mother of three, who declined to reveal her full name, left her ex-husband about a decade ago after enduring domestic violence for six years.
“As my education level is not high enough, I have difficulties looking for a proper job and have been doing part-time and odd jobs to take care of my teenage children.
“Besides working as a cleaner, I also work as a clerk and a promoter at a hypermarket. I have also recently took on another cleaning job at a welfare home at night.
“So, I am working seven days a week from morning until night.
“It is quite strenuous for me as I do not have much time for rest. What I make from the four jobs is still not enough to cover our expenses so we have to live frugally,” she said in an interview.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that under Budget 2023, B40 groups with household income of less than RM2,500 would be eligible for STR of up to RM2,500 depending on the number of children.
He also announced a RM600 aid in food baskets and vouchers of staple items for STR recipients registered in the e-Kasih system.
Lim is currently receiving a cash assistance of RM100 from the Welfare Department for each of her children.
“I am worried that the cash aid will stop soon now that my eldest child is 19 and my second child is 18. The aid is only for those aged 18 and below.
“The STR is timely but I hope the application will be hassle-free for it to reach recipients quickly. I hope to save some money for the tertiary education of my eldest daughter, who is in Form Six.
“I told her that it is best if she can get a university scholarship.
“But I do not want to pressure her because she is studying on her own as we cannot afford tuition,” said Lim.
Another single mother Lela Hazman, 49, said the food basket and voucher assistance would be helpful to reduce her household spending.
“Everything is so expensive these days from food items to services.
“There were many instances when I had to dig into my savings to cover my two children’s school expenses and medical bills,” added the food trader.
