THE Social Welfare Department distributed RM2.4 billion in welfare assistance to 533,167 people nationwide throughout 2022, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri said.

The minister said the number of people seeking aid had been increasing annually, peaking during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

“In 2022 alone, the department received 148,699 new applications and if this trend continues, it is going to be a great burden on the country in the future.

“As such, we need to find the best solution in ensuring that those in need will be given help and support but at the same time, with no financial implications on the country,” she said, following a supplementary question from Wetrom Bahanda (Kota Marudu-KDM).

He had asked whether the government intends to increase financial assistance in accordance with the increase in the price of goods and cost of living, and the government’s action on those who will cease to receive aid based on welfare officers’ evaluation that their children are already working.

Nancy said some of the rates have already been increased as of 2021, including aid for children, the elderly, allowance for disabled workers, those unable to work, and care assistance for the disabled or the chronically ill and bedridden.

However, she said aid was a temporary measure to ease financial constraints, it is not full support.

“Those whose financial situation and life have improved should no longer need the assistance,” she said.

In response to a supplementary question from Ismail Abd Muttalib (Maran-PN) on the steps taken in resolving the increasing number of aid applications, Nancy said the government is committed to helping applicants increase their income.

Nancy added that since 2016, the department has run the “2 Years Exit Programme” to help people on welfare assistance towards independent living through survival skills learning and empowerment development.

“The aim is to increase the number of people who will no longer rely on the department because they are free from poverty.

“To date, 6,500 people have participated in this programme and about 1,500 have succeeded,” she said. – Bernama, March 30, 2023.