PETALING JAYA: Consumers associations welcome the financial aid for the B40 and M40 groups under the National People’s Well-Being and Economic Recovery Package (Pemulih).

       Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) education officer, NV Subbarow said the sum given should be enough to sustain them during the hard times and it should be spent wisely on food.

       “One should prioritise basic necessities such as food and should cut down on non-essential purchases,” he said, adding that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) should also contribute to educating the public on financial management.

       Subbarow added that aside from giving out cash aid, the government should also make sure the retail prices of the essential goods are controlled.

       “We must avoid price hikes, so the rakyat can purchase their necessities.”

       He said telecommunication companies should also introduce more initiatives to ease the people’s financial burden,” he said, adding that Internet access is essential.

       Under the Pemulih package, the single individuals from B40 and M40 will receive RM200 and RM100 respectively from August.

       Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) president, Datuk Dr Marimuthu Nadason said the financial assistance was timely as the pandemic is still affecting the economy but added that the packages could still be refined.

       He said the government should also consider the living cost before giving out the assistance package.

       “The living costs in the urban area are comparatively higher than those in rural areas.

       “Therefore, the financial assistance given should match the cost of living,” Dr Marimuthu said.

       He suggested the assistance can be given based on the minimum wage of RM1,200 for those in the urban areas.

       “The cash can be handed out within six months or until the country achieves Phase Four of the recovery plan.

       “By doing this, it will be helpful to the needy groups to sustain their lives during the economic downturn,” he added.

       The financial assistance package to the B40 and M40 groups are among the financial aids announced by the Prime Minister on June 28.

       The package is targeted to benefit over 11 million households with the total government’s allocation of RM4.6bil.