KUALA LUMPUR: The Prihatin Supplementary Initiative Package (Kita Prihatin) is like a lifebuoy to many Malaysians to stay afloat during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Writer Shafadzlin Ahmad Shaharir, 24, who benefited from the first round of Prihatin Rakyat Economic Stimulus Package (Prihatin), said the money received had helped to pay her monthly house rent.
"During the first round of Prihati, I used the cash aid to pay rent and daily expenses. I was struggling to secure a full-time job."
For the next round, Shafadzlin, who is in the Bottom 40 per cent income group, will automatically receive a RM500 aid.
"I don't have any plan on how I will spend the cash aid.
"I will save it for any emergency.
"It's the best thing I can do during these uncertain times."
Muhammad `Aiman Md Jonid, 25, also benefited from Prihatin.
The procurement sourcing associate said Kita Prihatin would ease his burden, especially in managing daily expenses and repaying his loan.
"As a Prihatin recipient, the package has helped me cope with the rising cost of living and encouraged me to buy locally-made products to boost the small and medium enterprises. This will create new jobs.
"With the first round of Prihatin, I used the money to buy groceries and daily necessities.
"Since the bank moratorium period will end soon, I will use the Kita Prihatin cash aid to repay my car loan as well as for necessities."
Meanwhile, Aducktive Food Sdn Bhd founder Mohamad Anif Azami welcomed the prime minister's announcement on the Prihatin Special Grant.
"The cash aid can help SMEs to manage their capital, which will keep their businesses running."
Anif hoped the Finance Ministry would consider reviewing some of the grant's eligibility requirements.
"Only micro SMEs with a maximum of five employees are eligible to apply for the grants.
"Most micro SMEs usually have more employees than that.
"If the government can review this, more SMEs can reap the benefits of this initiative."