SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan government has announced new financial assistance schemes for senior citizens, married couples, single mothers, and students if Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional form the state administration. Under the “Peoples’ Wellbeing Scheme” (Skim Sejahtera Rakyat) outlined in their joint manifesto titled “Aspirasi Perpaduan Negri Sembilan,” senior citizens aged 70 and above will receive an annual payment of RM200 for the next five years. Newly married couples will be given RM500 cash assistance, while single mothers earning less than RM2,000 a month will receive an annual aid of RM200.
The manifesto also includes educational incentives, such as a RM100 payment into an education-cum-savings scheme for every child born, RM300 for students entering a fully residential school, and a RM1,000 cash incentive for students achieving straight As in their SPM, STPM, and STAM examinations. Additionally, students enrolling in tertiary institutions can expect financial aid, with RM1,000 for degree programs, RM750 for diploma programs, and RM500 for certificate courses.
Other initiatives mentioned in the manifesto include providing free laptops to Form Six students from B40 families, a monthly allowance of RM150 for undergraduates at public universities, and a RM5,000 reward for graduates with first-class degrees. Interest-free loans would also be available for local public university students pursuing Master’s or PhD programs. The manifesto also outlines plans for improving English proficiency among students, offering free tuition classes for children from poor families, and promoting e-sports facilities and childcare centers at selected government departments.
The joint manifesto, which features 10 main thrusts and 70 initiatives, also addresses the state’s economy, investment, infrastructure, housing, agriculture, tourism, environment, religion, culture, civil service, and the wellbeing of the Orang Asli community and Felda settlers. It promises to open new industrial areas, improve internet services, issue free hawker licenses for five years, increase welfare aid, establish the Dialysis Treatment Fund for the needy, and build 4,000 affordable homes in the next five years.
If elected, the coalition pledges to provide special assistance to fishermen and their families, support farmers using smart technology to increase food output, promote tourism, and conduct Islamic programs in all districts. They also commit to continue supporting the wellbeing of the Felda settlers and Orang Asli community.
Leaders from Barisan and Pakatan component parties, including state Umno chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, attended the launch of the joint manifesto.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
