Malaysian Adults to Receive Financial Boost on National Day

In a significant move to celebrate National Day, the Malaysian government, under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, has announced a cash aid of $24 for each adult citizen. This initiative, as reported by The Star, is aimed at alleviating the financial burden on the populace amidst rising prices.

How to Use the Cash Aid: The funds, available until the end of the year, will be disbursed through the national identification card, MyKad. Recipients can use this aid to purchase essential goods at over 4,100 participating stores across the country, including major supermarkets like Mydin, Lotus’s, Econsave, and 99Speedmart.

This picture taken on March 11, 2023, shows people riding in a trishaw in George Town on Malaysia's Penang island. Photo by AFP

Widespread Benefits and Economic Impact

Approximately 22 million Malaysians are expected to benefit from this scheme. A family consisting of four adults could receive up to MYR400, as the aid is distributed on an individual basis. The government anticipates spending a total of MYR2 billion on this initiative, marking the first instance of direct cash assistance to adult citizens.

Context and Criticism: The announcement precedes a planned protest in Kuala Lumpur, where citizens demand Prime Minister Anwar’s resignation over unfulfilled reform promises and the escalating cost of living. In response, the government has introduced several measures this year, including raising the minimum wage and imposing new sales taxes on luxury goods, aiming to enhance revenue without disproportionately affecting the lower and middle-income groups.