By Sheeda Fathil
SHAH ALAM, Nov 12 —T he decision to continue public health programmes and initiatives next year demonstrates the state government's concern for the welfare of its low-income citizens.
State executive councillor for public health Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the tabling of the 2024 Selangor Budget continues the Iltizam Selangor Sihat (ISS) to ensure the people can receive basic medical services and insurance benefits.
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Bandar Utama state assemblyman Jamaliah Jamaluddin, after the 2024 Selangor Budget's tabling at the State Secretariat Building, Shah Alam, on November 10, 2023. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
"The announced RM10,000 annual benefit in the budget allows people to receive treatment at private hospitals. As we are aware, the costs of treatment in private hospitals are relatively high, apart from the congestion in public hospitals.
"We hope that low-income groups can receive assurances and protection so that they can access hospitals in cases requiring medical attention," she told SelangorKini.
On Friday (November 10), during the budget's tabling, Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari announced a RM59.7 million allocation to implement public health programmes and initiatives.
He said ISS will continue with a RM35 million allocation, benefiting 100,000 primary policyholders and an estimated 150,000 registered family members.
Meanwhile, state executive councillor for social welfare Anfaal Saari welcomed the agenda for her portfolio and hopes next year's plans will go smoothly.
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Taman Templer state assemblyman Anfaal Saari, after the 2024 Selangor Budget's tabling at the State Secretariat Building, Shah Alam, on November 10, 2023. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
"The Selangor Special Needs Children (AnIS) Department will be formally incorporated as a foundation. I hope this can enhance the services offered to our special-needs children.
"Furthermore, the state economy has now officially received its first full-year budget. InsyaAllah, the efforts to uplift the sector will be more stable and organised," she said.
The budget announced a RM5 million allocation to establish Yayasan Insan Istimewa Selangor (Yanis) and implement primary programmes for persons with disabilities (OKU) next year.
The foundation's establishment is part of the state government's efforts to expand AnIS' functions, which is currently being implemented by various initiatives like AnIS Special Assistance, AnIS Education, the AnIS Academy, the AnIS Intervention Support Center, and AnIS Preschool.
The state government is providing significant funding to provide support services and intervention programs for autistic children.
