Some 5,097 women and their 20,000 dependents under the poor and extremely poor categories will be receiving aid via the Kasih Ibu Darul Ridzuan (KIDR) programme in line with the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
According to the Menteri Besar of Perak Dato’ Saarani Mohamad, the joint effort between the state government and Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) is set to commence on August 1.
“RM7.4 million has been allocated for the first phase of the programme. Out of the total recipients, 1,104 are those from Orang Asli communities.
“Recipients are to be given cashless payment cards provided by Kiplepay Sdn Bhd, which are usable for purchase of basic necessities and health treatment at private clinics.
“RM250 will be channeled to the cards every month for five months for purchasing basic necessities at more than 100 appointed grocery shops, while another RM250 will be channeled for health treatment purposes by the recipient and their family members at any of 100 clinics registered under this programme, for the entire year.
“KIDR recipients who fall under the 2019 Poverty Line Income (PLI), were chosen and screened via the eKasih system developed by the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department and the iDamak system by the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA).
“The handing over of the cards has started since July 19 this year in all 12 districts of Perak, involving all land and district offices through mukim (subdistrict) chiefs.
“Recipients’ expenditures are projected to positively affect economic flow by encouraging development of local businesses.”
He explained via an online media session held via Zoom earlier today (July 28).
Also present were the State Secretary Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim and the chief executive officer of NCIA Datuk Seri Jebasingam Issace John, along with Executive Councillor for Women and Family Development, Social Welfare and NGO, Datuk Dr Wan Norashikin Wan Noordin, among others.
“Following the success of the programme in Kedah under the name Kasih Ibu Darul Aman (KIDA), NCIA has decided to expand it to Perak in order to help more of those badly affected by COVID-19.
“KIDR is a part of the government’s assistance programme in handling issues of increased cost of living and family expenses.
“We’re confident that KIDR and other related capital integration programmes under NCIA will empower more households and improve their marginalised socio-economic statuses,” Jebasingam expressed.
Chris Teh
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