(ThyBlackMan.com) The cost of living aid provided by the Malaysian government under the current ruling party, Pakatan Harapan, is considered to be one of the most influential financial aid programs in the country. In order to combat poverty, the government provides a monetary aid for households with low income flow. To qualify for the Bantuan Sara Hidup, a household only needs to fit any category of those included; then they need to apply under said category to receive the service.
However, the success of the anti-inequality initiative has been described as a rollercoaster owing to the adverse effects it has had on the government’s financial position. On the other hand, this was in the past. Now, it is time to focus on the future of the Bantuan Sara Hidup in 2019, and since we are still in the beginning of the year, here is all what you need to know.
- The amount of change the Bantuan Sara Hidup affects.
According to the World Bank, the BSH has more potential for success than previously launched Malaysian financial aid programs like the BR1M. However, its effect is still not enough to put a huge dent in poverty.
Financial experts in the World Bank, in their most recent Malaysian Economic Monitor have mentioned how the financial aid tries its best to rid the country of inequality by extending its coverage. Unfortunately, this results in less money per household. In other words, while not ineffective, the BSH is not as effective as it previously was.
- Possible changes in the program.
Online Application for the BSH Bantuan Sara Hidup 2019 will still be made available; but, for more information on that topic you can visit mypt3.com. Other than that, given the information about the BSH being overly extensive, there is talk about taking into consideration the number of children as a main factor when calculating the subsidy.
On another occasion, the World Bank mentioned that, currently, Malaysia is in need of more permanent change. The aspect the World Bank seems to be focusing on is long-term economic improvement. It is advising the government to do so by allocating more funds into improving Malaysia’s infrastructure rather than spending it on temporarily decreasing the divide between social classes.
- The government’s stance on the matter
While the government was put in a difficult monetary position in 2017, several changes in resource allocation have resulted in a far better financial position the following year. The Minister of Finance, Lim Guan Eng, stated that the government did not suffer from any budgetary deficits in 2018 so, we can expect the program to continue for another year.
Final Notes
While the BSH has not single handedly put an end to financial inequality, it does provide a limited amount of monetary relief to a portion of low-income households. This may be a short-term improvement but, it seems that the Malaysian government knows its people best. This is why for the time being, we can expect the next cost of living payment after the Chinese New Year.
Staff Writer; Peter Ford