Pemulih: 2 significant measures as well as cash for the people
The total which was announced under Pemulih by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is RM150 billion. Within this amount, RM10 billion in aid will be channeled towards low- and middle-income households affected by the public health crisis. Let’s look at that after we look at the two measures which many have been asking and speculating; moratorium extension (from 1st one last year) and also EPF withdrawals for members to sustain their daily expenditures.
Moratorium for 6 months
A six-month loan moratorium will be granted to all borrowers regardless of their income group. Muhyiddin said, “With that, I would like to announce with the cooperation of banks that a six-month moratorium will be given to all individual borrowers, including those from B40, M40 or T20 groups, as well as micro entrepreneurs.” The borrower just need to apply and there is no need for any conditions or documents for the application. Applications will begin on July 7.
EPF withdrawal under i-Citra
EPF will introduce a new withdrawal facility called i-Citra where a total of 12.6mil EPF members can make withdrawals of up to RM5,000 with a fixed payment rate of RM1,000 per month for five months, subject to the members’ total EPF savings. This will channel RM30bil to the people for their daily needs. Applications for this via i-Citra online portal at icitra.kwsp.gov.my starts from July 15, 2021 and the first payment expected to be credited to the member’s account in August.
Cash for the people (up to 11 million households)
There will be RM500 increase in the Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat and a cash transfer between RM100 to RM1,400 for as part of the third BPR phase to be disbursed in September.
Poor and middle-class households will also be given additional cash through the newly set up Special Covid Aid (BKC) programme. Hardcore poor households will receive RM500 in August, October and December while singles will be given RM200 in August and RM300 in November.
For households in the B40 income bracket, an additional cash aid of RM500 and RM300 will be deposited in August and December. M40 households, defined as those earning between RM4,850 to RM10,959 will also qualify for the programme, with a cash transfer of RM250 to be given in August, while singles in the same income bracket will receive RM100.
Conclusion
These measures are aimed at giving everyone a breathing space, especially the ones affected by the lockdown. Please do note that many could not work because their business is not considered essential services. Secondly, the cash given directly to the households would ensure the money is spent and this will be very beneficial for the economy. With multiplier effects, the money given out will go a long way too.
Last but not least, the moratorium is aimed to give the borrower some extra time. This is NOT to give the borrowers extra money to spend on gadgets… or whatever mid-year sale events by the online shopping sites yeah. Else, we are looking at double problems; debts from current loans and debts from extra purchases too. Happy understanding.
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