PUTRAJAYA: From gadgets and books to toiletries and food, youths who received their RM150 in ecash aid from the government are happy to spend it in a beneficial way. Although the amount may not fully cover the cost, they said it was nevertheless helpful to buy what they need.

       Third-year accounting undergraduate at Multimedia University (MMU), Chelsea Joy Vilson, said she was happy to receive the cash aid again after getting similar aid under the eBelia initiative last year.

       “It’s helpful. As a student, I appreciate it. I’m glad that I get to use the money for something good and for my education as well,” she said.

       Having spent her previous cash aid on books and necessities, she said the eBelia cash aid could be used in online transactions while the ePemula version was more focused on offline and contactless transactions.

       ‘’I went to a health store and bought some necessities before treating myself to a nice beverage,’’ Vilson, 22, added.

       Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob launched the ePemula programme at the MMU main campus in Cyberjaya yesterday.

       The initiative, which was announced in Budget 2022 with an allocation of RM300mil, is meant for about two million youths and students aged between 18 and 20.

       Those eligible are given RM150 through their choice of e-wallet apps – BigPay, GrabPay, ShopeePay or Touch ’n Go.

       The ePemula initiative is a repeat of the eBelia cash aid for youths that was announced in Budget 2021.

       For Siti Jamila Syuhada Jailani, 22, the aid came in handy especially since the cost of food made up a big portion of her expenses.

       “The ePemula helps me to save money when buying food.

       “There are many food operators that accept GrabPay and it’s really convenient to pay for food using the money,” said the international business undergraduate.

       Siti Jamila also said the government should make more on-campus vendors adopt electronic payments so that students could buy the necessities with the electronic cash they received.

       Teoh Sing Jian, 20, who is pursuing a degree in virtual reality, said the financial aid would go towards getting a new keyboard.

       “I spilled some water on my laptop recently and some keys on the keyboard are not responsive.

       “I will use the money to get a keyboard to be connected with my laptop,” said Teoh, who claimed the RM150 via his Touch ’n Go e-wallet.

       Second-year international business undergraduate Rasydan Mohd Hassan, 24, said he had not claimed the aid as he had been busy helping his peers with theirs.

       Rasydan, who is Universiti Teknologi Mara’s Student Representatives Council chairman, said he planned to spend the money later to upgrade to a better electronic device for his studies.

       “Although it won’t cover the full cost, it still helps,” he said, adding that he hoped that this financial aid would continue.

       “It is important for all students. We need some support to keep abreast with global digitalisation.”

       Those eligibile for ePemula have until June 1 to register with one of the four service providers.

       Recipients have until June 10 to utilise the financial aid.