The Penang government has allocated RM49.45 million for Phase 1 of the i-Sejahtera Programme, benefiting a total of 274,151 recipients. This financial assistance will be disbursed via electronic funds transfer (EFT) to various vulnerable groups in the state.
The beneficiaries include 205,089 senior citizens under the Elderly Appreciation Programme (PPWE), 43,321 housewives under the Suri Emas Programme, 15,330 persons with disabilities under the Disabled Persons (OKU) Assistance Programme, and 10,411 single mothers under the Single Mother Assistance Programme.
State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim emphasized that payments will only be disbursed to new applicants who register before 30th June each year. She advised the public to check their payment status starting from 30th March via the i-Sejahtera website and encouraged applicants to update their bank account details to ensure smooth processing of the assistance.
Applications submitted after 10th February will be processed in Phase 2 of the programme. The public can register for the i-Sejahtera programmes on the official website.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is also the DAP national vice-chairman, highlighted the importance of these social welfare initiatives. Despite the ongoing speculation about his potential leadership role within the DAP, Chow remains focused on his administrative duties and overseeing such critical social programmes.
