GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government is allocating RM54,262,200 for this year's i-Sejahtera programme, a strategic initiative to improve the welfare system and well-being of the people in the state.
State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the programme aims to increase liveability and improve the quality of life of Penang residents.
"From Nov 20, payment by electronic funds transfer (EFT) to the bank accounts of 3,458 i-Sejahtera recipients under Phase 4/2023 of the programme will be implemented, namely to 2,669 Senior Citizen Appreciation Programme (PPWE) recipients, 235 single mother (PBIT) recipients and 544 Suri Emas (PSE) recipients, which involves an expenditure of RM613,700.
"In addition, the payment for the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) programme under Phase 4/2023 has been implemented since Oct 28 to 757 recipients and an allocation of RM151,400," she said in a statement on Thursday (Nov 16).
She said 79 next of kin have also received death benefits under the PwD Assistance Programme, involving an allocation of RM79,000.
Lim said the public could check the payment status from Nov 27 on the https://isejahtera.penang.gov.my website and encouraged them to contact the nearest Unity Government Service Centre for further details.
She said the state government also urged applicants to update their bank account information to ensure they receive the i-Sejahtera Programme aid promptly next year.
"Applicants of the PPWE, PBIT or PwD Assistance Programme who have problems with their bank accounts can use that of their family members, on condition the bank account holder is registered as the legal beneficiaries in the i-Sejahtera system," she said.
According to her, RM395.7mil has been invested in its implementation since 2010.
"The state government also paid out death benefit contributions totalling RM1,000 to beneficiaries registered through the PPWE, PBIT and PwD Assistance Programme. So far, the contribution has benefited 68,821 registered beneficiaries, with an expenditure of RM68,821,000," she said.
She said the state government has, in total, allocated over RM464.5 million for the i-Sejahtera programme.- Bernama
