PETALING JAYA: The incoming RM200 aid under the e-Tunai Belia Rahmah initiative will be useful for purchases such as reference materials as well as for essential food items, say youths. Marine science student Navin Ruconathan, 20, said he will use the aid to buy reference books should his application be approved.
“The aid will be extremely helpful as the books are necessary for me to complete my third year studies,” he said.
“RM200 is a lot of money for students who are tight financially.”
Multimedia student Mohamad Aliff Irfan will be using the aid to buy equipment needed for his photography course.
“Seeing how the aid distribution is limited to three e-wallet platforms – Boost, Setel and Touch n’ Go – it can help prevent recipients from making unnecessary purchases,” said the 19-year-old who is currently studying at a National Youth Skills Institute.
His coursemate, Aliff Najmin Abdul Hamid, 20, said the aid will give him some “breathing space” for food, clothes and shoes.
“Hopefully, the government will introduce similar initiatives in the future,” he said.
Computer science student Naveena Vathani Ramesh Kumar, 20, said the aid will help alleviate some of her university costs.
“I first learnt of the initiative through various social media platforms. The aid will be handy for any additional or emergency expenses,” she said.
A final-year engineering student who wanted to be known only as Chong said it will allow him to buy safety boots for his coming practical.
“I have been saving up for these boots since they are compulsory when entering worksites.
“If my application is approved, it allows me to get a proper pair of boots. Any surplus will go into my savings,” he said.
In GEORGE TOWN, university student Muhammad Faiz Abdul Rahman said the aid will come in handy, adding that he plans to use it to pay for food.
“My allowance is around RM200 to RM250 a month so it is always good to have extra money,” said the 21-year-old, who is pursuing a degree in special education at Universiti Sains Malaysia here.
Muhammad Faiz said it is hard to manage money nowadays so he has to make sure to stretch his supply of groceries.
“My monthly budget for food and other expenditure is around RM250 to RM300.
“I try to spend less than RM10 per meal and I look for places which are cheaper and serve good portions so that I don’t end up getting hungry,” he said, adding that he also had to reduce the number of his outings with friends, only meeting them once every fortnight or so.
“When we go out, we make sure we avoid expensive places and we split our bill,” he said, adding that he is planning to work part-time during semester breaks.
Registration for the e-Tunai Belia Rahmah programme opens today from 8am for youths aged 18 to 20 and full-time students at higher learning institutions.
Under the programme, successful applicants will receive RM200 through one of three e-wallet platforms: Boost, Setel or Touch ‘n Go e-wallet.
Registrations must also be done through these platforms between June 26 and Aug 22.
According to Budget 2023, RM400mil has been set aside for the scheme, which is expected to benefit up to two million youths aged 18 to 20.
