Nor Ain Mohamed Radhi and Qistina Sallehuddin
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will periodically review the amount of cash aid given under the Budi Madani initiative, says Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying.
Presently, RM200 is disbursed monthly to those eligible for Budi Madani following the rationalisation of diesel subsidies.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, Lim said the current amount was based on in-depth studies and stakeholder consultations conducted before the subsidy rationalisation which began last month.
Lim said Department of Statistics Malaysia data indicated that RM200 a month would be enough to cover fuel costs for 80 per cent of households in Peninsular Malaysia.
"At the same time, the government will continuously monitor the situation following the implementation of diesel rationalisation to ensure that those truly in need receive assistance," she said in response to an additional question from Datuk Suhaimi Nasir (BN-Libaran).
Suhaimi inquired whether the amount of cash assistance would remain the same, or if the government has a mechanism to adjust it should diesel prices increase.
Meanwhile, in response to the initial question from Suhaimi, Lim said there was no cost involved in setting up the Budi Madani portal.
"The Budi Madani portal was developed using internal expertise from government officials without engaging external consulting services; hence, there was no open tender issue as existing infrastructure was utilised."
She added that the ongoing effort by the government to gather current information ensures those affected can update their details and avoid not receiving government aid.
"Targeted diesel subsidies through Budi Madani will also utilise all relevant existing government databases."