Birth incentives: YPKT receives only 2,000 applications to date

The Terengganu Family Development Foundation (YPKT) has only received 2,000 applications for birth incentive compared to an initial target of 20,000 births.

Its director, Shafaruddin Mustaffa said the incentive, initiated last year, has benefited 10,872 babies throughout 2015 and he hoped parents would come forward to ensure their babies born in 2016 receive the incentives.

"Application forms are available at all health clinics and government hospitals, maternity clinics and YPKT offices across the state and those who give birth in private hospitals or clinics, can obtain the form at the nearby YPKT offices. The closing date is on next March 31," he told Bernama today.

Last year, the state government through YPKT gave out birth incentive via National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN-i) worth RM100 for the couple's first baby only.

However, this year, the incentive was extended. Apart from RM100 for the first child, SSPN-i worth RM200 will be given to the second to seventh child, eighth child (RM300), ninth (RM400) and RM500 for 10th child and for every following birth.

He added only babies born in Terengganu from Jan 1 to Dec 31 this year were eligible to receive the incentive. Another condition was the mother or father of the child must be from Terengganu or has resided in the state for at least 10 years.

-- BERNAMA