The Chief Minister of Penang, Chow Kon Yeow, must clarify whether media reports are accurate in stating that the state government intends to reduce the iSejahtera Aid from RM200 to RM150 or even RM100, and raise the eligibility age limit from 60 to 65 years.

If this report is true, then Kon Yeow needs to explain whether the Penang state government is indeed facing financial difficulties. Otherwise, why is the welfare of Penangitse being sacrificed at a time when the cost of goods is rising?

We received this information through news reports, and this is undoubtedly a blow to senior citizens who are already struggling with the rising cost of living — with prices going up, aid is not being increased, but instead reduced.

According to media reports, the state government’s reserves in 2018 stood at RM1.8 billion, but merely just after seven years, only RM50 million remains. In a situation where the state government has various sources of tax revenue, how could the reserves have been almost completely spent in such a short period? To the point of sacrificing aid for the elderly?

Even if the state government is facing financial issues, cost-cutting measures should be implemented in other areas such as reducing unnecessary and wasteful administrative expenses, not at the expense of the welfare of vulnerable groups.

Datuk Tan Teik Cheng
MCA Vice President

9 May 2025

-MCA Comm-