Budget 2022 capable of empowering women - Rina

Its minister, Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun said the budget with several incentives announced however should be monitored so that the benefits could be channeled directly to the people.

"So if asked on Budget 2022 after this, it would obviously be its implementation. We have to monitor so that it reaches the grassroots and gives benefit especially to women," she told reporters after the launch of Toll Free Helpline FamilyCare@LPPKN at Datuk Keramat Sports Complex here today.

On the details of Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia (BKM), Rina said the assistance which was earlier received under Bantuan Prihatian Rakyat amounting to RM1,800 has been raised to RM2,000 via BKM, while single mothers and fathers with three or more dependants and drawing an income of up to RM5,000 will received an increase of RM500 to the maximum to RM2,500.

"It is helping groups such as single mothers and single fathers. For senior citizens, there is an additional RM300 and this group can receive the aid of up to RM2,300," she said.

On the feminine hygience kit which was also provided in the budget, Rina said even though it looks small especially to women, but urban study findings especially in Kuala Lumpur found it was a necessity to prevent them from borrowing such items from their friends.

"So this is a basic item for women and we feel they should be given serious attention as the Finance Minister yesterday announced distributing the kit to 130,000 young women," she said.

Meanwhile, commenting on the launch of the Helpline FamilyCare@LPPKN, she said the helpline is seen as gaining confidence among the people and it is the best alternative compared to social media to voice any form of domestic problems.

"Many were affected by COVID-19 pandemic, some lost their jobs and were affected economically while some suffered emotional stress. So it is hoped that with this line, it can help household cases and couples without having to wait for a long process, " she said.

A total of 533 households involving domestic violence, divorce, communication problems, marriage and children were recorded by the Helpline FamilyCare@LPPKN as at Oct 29 since it began operation on Sept 27.

Meanwhile, Rina in a statement today said the ministry is committed to manage welfare assistance according to the new qualification conditions effective 2022 and also welcomed the efforts of the government in ensuring the welfare of persons with disabilities (PwD) in the budget.

"The special allocation of RM30 million to upgrade the infrastructure of government buildings so that they are PwD friendly would benefit the visually impaired and other PwDs.

"The government will also allocate RM10 million for Self Reliance Training Centres as well as Industrial Training and Rehabilitation Centre (PLPP) for the training of PwDs apart from special quota of one per cent for PwDs in the appointment of contract officers under Malaysia Short Term Employment Program (MySTEP)," she said.

She also welcomed the allocation provided by the government to empower Sexual, Women and Children Investigation Division (D11) under the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

"The empowering of the division would provide significant improvement in criminal investigations on cases involving women and children in the country.

"I also thank and appreciate the recognition of the government for the roles played by Grade S19 Community Development Assistants and Grade U11 and U14 Welfare Care Assistants at senior citizen, PwD, and mental patient care homes by providing an incentive of RM200," she said.