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Govt aid plays big part in helping people
The government plays a pivotal role in offsetting the rising cost of living for middle- and low-income groups by giving financial aid to them.

The Rising Cost of Living National Key Results Area (NKRA) findings stated that households earning RM3,000 and below a month were given a one-off RM500 under the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) programme.

Last year, RM1.4 billion was given out under the Kebajikan Rakyat 1Malaysia (KAR1SMA) programme to underprivileged groups.

Senior citizens, the disabled, single parents and widows of police and military personnel received RM100 to RM250 under this scheme.

Another achievement under this NKRA was the government's ability to reduce education costs.

Students enjoy free schooling after the government abolished school fees for the first time.

Through the Back-to- School Incentive programme, RM533 million was distributed to 5,331,207 students.

Under the 1Malaysia Book Voucher programme, tertiary students received RM200 each.

Under this scheme, RM225 million book vouchers were given out.

The introduction of Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia, Menu Rakyat 1Malaysia (MR1M) and Klinik 1Malaysia ensured that basic goods and services remained affordable.

Kedai Kain 1Malaysia offered affordable clothing and textiles.

As of December last year, four shops had been set up, out of a targeted seven.

MR1M, which has more than 2,000 outlets participating in its programme, offers breakfast and lunch at RM2 and RM4 in the peninsula.

However, restaurants participating in MR1M in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan charge RM2.50 and RM5.00 for breakfast and lunch.

As of Dec 31, 168 Klinik 1Malaysia were set up to provide free medical care.

Each programme achieved, if not exceeded, its targeted key performance indicator and played a role in managing the rising cost of living. ~NST