By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
GOMBAK, Aug 12 — The state government is determined to restore and strengthen the economy to help its residents enjoy a better quality of life in the future.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said that efforts via the Unity Government are aimed at bridging the economic gap between high and low-income groups.
“Various forms of assistance have been provided, and this is a continuous effort by the Madani Government, whether at the state or Federal level, to empower the people.
“We are not just taking a ‘shortcut’ by giving out contributions without addressing the root issues. The main issue I see here is how to solve economic problems, and this is what we are trying to correct.
“For example, in the past, we faced issues with goods, but now, Alhamdulillah, from daily necessities to food, most of these issues have been resolved, even though some prices remain high due to the ringgit's value,” he said.
Amirudin was speaking at the handover ceremony for the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit’s (Mitra) aid for micro and small traders in the Gombak Parliamentary constituency yesterday.
The Menteri Besar, who is also the Gombak MP, said he is now focusing on complaints and planning continuous economic empowerment and structured infrastructure programmes.
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Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari delivers his speech during the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit’s aid handover ceremony for micro and small traders, at the Gombak Parliamentary constituency's service centre in Taman Samudera, Batu Caves, on August 11, 2024. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“Tomorrow marks a year since the Unity Government was established in Selangor, and we have delivered on what we promised, even though many laughed at us before, saying we wanted to become a high-income state.
"But now, this has been acknowledged by the World Bank. However, I admit there is still a slight gap between high and low-income earners… this is what we are addressing and will touch on in the 2025 Selangor Budget, to be presented in November or December,” he said.
During the ceremony, Amirudin presented Mitra contributions to 22 recipients, as well as laptops to SJK(T) Batu Caves and SJK(T) Taman Melawati.
He also presented contributions to underprivileged residents in the constituency, handed out eyeglasses, and presented six individuals with 'Friend of the Gombak Parliament' letters.
Before that, Amirudin performed the Subuh prayer at Masjid Kampung Nakhoda Batu Caves, had breakfast with the congregation, and visited party activists in Selayang Baru.
He later presented aid to the victims of the AU5 Food Court fire in Hulu Kelang at Dewan Serbanguna MPAJ AU5.
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Housewife and Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit aid recipient M. Mageswary, on August 11, 2024. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Meanwhile, housewife M. Mageswary, 34, thanked the state government for providing assistance at a crucial time.
“My husband just stopped working last week and needed money as we have to support four children who are still in school. In addition to receiving this aid, we were also informed yesterday that our business licence has been approved.
“My husband and I are very happy, and plan to use the money to buy daily necessities and start a business selling vadai and panipuri,” she said.
