Payung Rahmah Initiative: Help Reduce Cost of Living for B40 and Extreme Poor

By: Michelle Liew

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) will introduce the Payung Rahmah initiative to reduce the cost of living for the low-income (B40) and extreme poor.

Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said the initiative, to be announced on Tuesday was the result of collaboration with several ministries including the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

"The details will also be announced on Tuesday and the concept of Payung Rahmah is the focus of the KPDN as well as the short-term strategy for the first six months.

"It will involve the B40 group and the extreme poor. If we do not deal with it carefully and focus, I am worried that the global economic situation which is expected to be serious this year will cause them to be more affected," he said.

The Pulai Member of Parliament said the initiative includes giving food baskets, Rahmah Kasih Sayang Sale and Cafe Rahmah for university students.

"We will provide food baskets and hold a Rahmah Kasih Sayang Sale which will have a package of 10 items, while university students will be helped through Cafe Rahmah," he said.

Ahead of the Chinese New Year celebration this time, Salahuddin said his party will announce a price control scheme next week.