THE government will retarget subsidies in phases this year with improvements on social assistance, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Armizan Mohd Ali.

He said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Finance Ministry and Economy Ministry are refining “cash transfers” to the people, including the Rahmah Cash Aid, by considering the subsidy retargeting efforts.

“We will carry out retargeting of subsidies in phases which will involve the diesel and RON95 components,” he told reporters after attending the Rahmah Sale programme in Padang Besar today.

He said among the improvements is to raise the amount and expand the assistance to a larger target group, adding that Malaysians should update their details on Padu.

Padu is crucial in assisting the government to channel social assistance to the target groups and prevent individuals from being excluded, he added.

Meanwhile, Armizan said the government’s commitment was evident when it announced yesterday that the amount for the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah cash aid will be increased to RM1,200 this year from RM600 last year.

“It involves a significant allocation. Last year, RM130 million was set aside, but this year the allocation has increased to RM700 million.

“In terms of the recipients, it only involved the hardcore poor last year, but this year, it will also benefit poor individuals, which is an increase of 700,000 recipients from 210,000,” he said.

On the Rahmah Sale, Armizan said the ministry will expand it to ensure that the people continue to benefit from it, in line with the increase in the allocation from 100 million last year to 200 million this year. – Bernama, January 20, 2024.