The Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) program is set to be expanded to reach the Orang Asli community residing in the remote areas of Peninsular Malaysia, according to Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
The Finance Minister II revealed that a total of 82,000 Orang Asli individuals have registered for the aid, totaling RM82.4 million in assistance.
However, he highlighted that 14,000 of these Orang Asli do not possess bank accounts, posing a challenge in delivering the aid effectively.
To address this issue, options are being considered such as assisting them in opening bank accounts or providing cash directly, especially in cases where banking facilities are not easily accessible.
Amir Hamzah emphasized the ministry’s commitment to overcoming obstacles faced by those residing in remote areas, leading to the decision to extend aid to these communities starting this year.
He mentioned that efforts will be made to help Orang Asli individuals in setting up bank accounts, and for those unable to do so, cash assistance will be provided with the support of Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) and the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) in ensuring eligibility.
Amir Hamzah made these statements during a press conference held at the launch of the pilot STR project for the Orang Asli in the Batang Padang district, situated near the Kuala Woh forest reserve eco-park on Sunday (March 3).
A total of 409 Orang Asli beneficiaries received aid on the day of the launch.
Plans are also underway to extend similar programs to Orang Asli villages in other areas of the peninsula, including Rompin, Kuala Lipis, Gua Musang, and Hulu Perak, with the availability of BSN’s mobile bank branches to facilitate the process.
Amir Hamzah also announced that a similar STR program has already commenced for indigenous communities in Sarawak and Sabah, with an allocated budget of RM10 billion for over eight million eligible recipients.
During his visit to TF Mart, he also distributed the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) cash aid to households in need.
