By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, July 24 — A balanced approach that combines targeted and universal assistance is the most effective way to support Malaysians, says state executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari.
This follows criticism of the Federal government after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a RM100 cash aid for all adult citizens yesterday.
Welcoming the move, Anfaal acknowledged concerns over the non-targeted nature of the aid but stressed that both targeted and blanket approaches play complementary roles.
“Targeted aid ensures that support reaches those who need it most, such as low-income households, single mothers, or informal workers, addressing the specific pain points of vulnerable groups.
“However, no targeting system is perfect. Some individuals may fall through the cracks due to outdated data, sudden loss of income, or informal living arrangements.
“That’s where universal assistance plays a vital role,” she told Media Selangor.
In a televised announcement yesterday, Anwar said RM100 cash aid will be credited to the MyKad of citizens aged 18 and above starting from August 31, which can be used at over 4,100 outlets nationwide.
The prime minister also announced that RON95 petrol price will be reduced from RM2.05 to RM1.99 per litre, with the mechanism — which will exclude foreigners and benefit some 18 million Malaysians — to be finalised by the end of September.
Other announcements included a freeze on toll hikes involving 10 highways nationwide, an additional public holiday on September 15 in celebration of Malaysia Day, and the doubling of the allocation for Jualan Rahmah Madani from RM300 million to RM600 million this year.
Elaborating, Anfaal said the RM100 cash assistance acts as a safety net, ensuring no one is excluded due to bureaucratic oversight or eligibility loopholes.
“It also fosters a greater sense of fairness and solidarity, especially during times of national hardship, where all citizens, regardless of background, share in the government’s efforts to ease the burden.”
She said universal support fills gaps that targeted policies might miss, while the latter optimises resources for those in greatest need.
“The key is not to choose one over the other, but to harmonise both approaches for a more inclusive and responsive social protection system,” she said.
For the record, the Federal government has already implemented various targeted aid programmes, including the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and the targeted diesel subsidy.
As for Selangor, Anfaal said the state government will strengthen its outreach to vulnerable communities, in line with Anwar’s announcement on eradicating hardcore poverty and expanding Jualan Rahmah nationwide.
“In the care economy, we are addressing the most pressing societal pain points through a data-driven approach.
“Our collaboration with multiple research centres ensures that policies and programmes from childcare to eldercare are aligned with the real needs of caregivers, many of whom are women in the informal sector.”
