KANGAR: Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man is proposing that the government introduce food coupons in the upcoming 2017 Budget to help ease the burden of the hardcore poor.
Unlike the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) which is given to eligible individuals in cash form, he said the coupons should be given specifically for food purchases to prevent it from being misused.
“The coupon should be designed with special or safety features to prevent it from being duplicated by any quarters.
“It is not meant to replace BR1M but instead be an added value to the government’s aid for the rakyat.
“The method is similar to BR1M and 1Malaysia Book Vouchers, except that the coupon could be issued on a monthly basis depending on the financial status of the recipients,” he said after flagging off the state-level Jalur Gemilang Tour here today.
The tour across the state, which was organised in conjunction with the 59th Merdeka celebration this year, involved over 20 vehicles.
Azlan noted that there are food assistance programmes at present, such as the grains aid, but it was not done frequently enough, hence, through the food coupon system, it could ensure that the group in need would constantly receive assistance from the government.