RM750 mln allocation for IPR sufficient - Economy Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 (Bernama) -- The allocation of a total of RM750 million under Budget 2023 to implement the People's Income Initiative (IPR) to help 130,000 hardcore poor is sufficient, says Economy Minister Mohd Rafizi Ramli.

He said it was because the government is taking a different approach to managing the allocation by aiding participants on a monthly basis instead of providing one-off assistance.

"... so, our approach is, instead of taking 100,000 (participants) and directly giving (assistance) RM20,000 to RM30,000 at once... it is better to pay (give aid) them every month. So, they need to be in that template within 24 months," he said in an interview on RTM’s Naratif Khas programme discussing the initiative tonight.

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On Feb 24, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when tabling Budget 2023 said the government allocates RM750 million to the Ministry of Economy to implement the IPR.

The programme seeks to enable participants to earn between RM2,000 and RM2,500 per month during the 24-month monitoring period and allow them to generate their income through the results obtained.

Participants can apply to join the programme under several categories namely Agro Entrepreneur Initiative (INTAN), Food Entrepreneur Initiative (INSAN) and Services Operator Initiative (IKHSAN).

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"(Participants) under INSAN will be provided with a vending machine installed at selected locations, of which the monthly rental of between RM600 and RM800 will be paid directly to the vending machine providers depending on the type of the vending machines... within two years.

"Under INTAN, it will involve the government identifying the land and provide land clearing assistance... and fertigation, liquid fertilisers, as well as all available equipment,” he said, adding that those under the IKHSAN category will receive an increase in their income.

“For example, individuals who manage public toilets sometimes only manage to collect  RM1,000 or RM800. So, we will top up (the income) every month to RM2,000 for 24 months," he said.

-- BERNAMA