PUTRAJAYA: Another e-cash programme set to benefit some two million youths and students in institutes of higher learning will be launched, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       The ePemula initiative is to be launched on Friday (April 15) and was announced in Budget 2022 with an allocation of RM300mil.

       Under the programme, eligible youth between 18 and 20 years old as well as full time students in institutes of higher learning will be given RM150 in e-cash.

       The ePemula programme would be offered through four e-wallet service providers - BigPay, GrabPay, ShopeePay and Touch ‘n Go eWallet.

       The Finance Ministry said registration for the RM150 e-cash can be made with one of the four service providers beginning Monday (April 11).

       “Aside from the RM150 from the government, the service providers will also be giving additional incentives in the form of cashback, vouchers, accumulated points or coins throughout the duration of the programme,” it said in a statement Sunday (April 10).

       The ePemua programme is open to Malaysians who are between 18 and 20 years old this year or full time students pursuing diploma or SKM4 or above in public or private institutions of higher learning.

       Registration begins on April 11 until June 1 while credit and other benefits can be spent until June 10, 2022.

       Provisions are used for offline purchases only while matching benefits by service providers can be used for both online and offline purchases.

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

       Information on ePemula and other initiatives for youths can be found at budget.mof.gov.my/manfaat/faq/epemula.html