KUALA LUMPUR: The lower income or the B40 group which has been banking on financial support from the government can finally breathe easy following the passing of Budget 2021.
Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said it was important that funds meant for direct assistance to the lower income group are disbursed as quickly as possible.
"The rakyat, especially in the B40 group, have been adversely affected by the uncertainties and economic disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Every effort must be made to account for every sen and to stretch every ringgit for maximum benefit to the poor and deserving," he said in a statement.
Lee said that wastage must be avoided at all costs as there were cases of deserving recipients falling through cracks in the past.
"The rakyat has been waiting long enough.
"After all, the government is spending the taxpayers money and the people are therefore entitled to enjoy the fruits of their labour," he said.
Lee also hoped that integrity and accountability must be the watchwords when it comes to the disbursement of public funds.
"It is also incumbent on the recipients to ensure that government handouts are not fritted away on wasteful expenditure, and account for every sen and every ringgit they receive," he said.