GEORGE TOWN: The RM150bil Pemulih aid package under Phase One of the National Recovery Plan could not have come at a better time for many Malaysians.

       Network engineer Aznan Nagore, 42, said the aid was what was needed by the people.

       “I am thankful that the government has this initiative, especially to help the M40 and B40 groups in the country.”

       Aznan said allocating RM15mil to non-governmental groups for social issues such as mental health and homelessness was also a great help as there were many such bodies which were now in need of assistance.

       However, he said people should be cautious about applying for the EPF’s new withdrawal facility, I-Citra as this could jeopardise their future savings.

       “But if people are really desperate, they can choose to withdraw,” he said.

       Under I-Citra, EPF members can make withdrawals of up to RM5,000 with a fixed payment rate of RM1,000 per month for five months, subject to the member’s total EPF savings.

       IT executive Syed Arafath Syed Mustapha, 42, said the subsidy for electricity tariffs would help offset some of the household costs while the Bantuan Khas Covid-19 (BKC) initiative was a welcome relief, especially for the elderly and the poor.

       “The RM300,000 food basket assistance (for every constituency) is also very helpful as well as the one for the Orang Asli community who are generally cut off from the mainstream communities.”

       Gym owner Sharani Sharudin, 41, said the RM3,000 one-off payment could help sustain him for the next few months before his business could reopen.

       However, he said he would have preferred it if the government had allowed gyms to operate under strict standard operating procedures.

       In JOHOR BARU, father of two, Lee Wee Ping, 37, said the assistance meant a lot to him and his family.

       “The cash handout, automatic bank moratorium and discount on electricity will help me and my family get by.

       “I had only started my business last year but since the dine-in restrictions was implemented, the number of customers have dropped significantly.

       “I decided to close my shop as I could no longer afford the rent.

       “Currently, I am running the food business from home,” he said.

       Marketing executive Muhammad Aizat Amir Mohd Nor Azlan, 26, lauded the government’s initiative to improve mental health support.

       “While assistance in the form of cash is important for many to continue having food on the table, mental health support is equally important.”

       It’s crucial for everyone, including the government, to address the issue, he said.

       Fishermen Mat Akel Mood, 38, who is among the 80 Orang Asli Seletar families from Kampung Sungai Temon, said he was thankful that the aid included a food bank initiative for them.

       “Everyone has been affected by the pandemic in one way or another and any form of assistance would really help us.

       “Most of the Orang Asli community here are fishermen and although they could still go out to fish, the demand for fresh sea produce has reduced significantly.

       “Most of our customers were restaurant owners who have now closed temporarily or for good.”