The Malaysian Insight

THE Selangor government’s aid scheme targeted at mothers, KISS, is the Federal Opposition’s way of helping low income families deal with the high cost living fuelled by the goods and services tax (GST).  

Health, Welfare, Women and Family affairs exco Dr Daroyah Alwi said GST had increased the rate of inflation since it was introduced by the Barisan Nasional administration in 2014.

Inflation or the rate at which prices increased for goods and services, had averaged 4% in 2017 according to economists.

She refuted claims KISS, whose Bahasa Malaysia acronym stands for Smart Selangor Mother’s Love scheme, was a ploy to win over votes as it comes into effect this year – when the 14th general election will be held.

Details of how the aid will be distributed will be announced tomorrow, when KISS is launched by Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali.

“Ever since 2014, the public has been squeezed by the GST. The rise in the prices of goods and our weak ringgit was a big impact on our economy,” Daroyah told The Malaysian Insight.

“This is Selangor’s way of helping at least the B40 group of people,” she said of the state government which is administered by Pakatan Harapan parties, DAP and PKR.

The state chose to channel aid through the mothers of low income households as they were the ones responsible for buying the family’s groceries, she said.

“We will look at a household’s dependents. We will also consider women who are looking after their ageing parents and those caring for disabled children.”  

“Our application process is stringent and we have village chiefs who are responsible for verifying an applicant’s status. Those applying will also have to submit full documents.”

“Some families who don’t qualify have also tried applying for it. There are also single mothers with kids aged above 21 who applied. But for now we will focus on helping those with young children,” she said. – January 21, 2018.