KUALA LUMPUR:The government has been urged to raise the minimum wage requirement for Disabled Workers Allowance (EPC) in line with the recent revision of the national poverty line income (PLI).
Senator Ras Adiba Radzi said that currently only those earning RM1,200 and below are eligible for the EPC, despite the fact that PLI has been revised to RM2,208 in July.
“Even though they are earning more than RM1,200, they still have to bear high cost of healthcare, living, transportation and technological assistance.
“What about PwDs (Persons with Disabilities) in the city with such a high cost of living such as rent (room or house), food and the like? So it is time for the government to raise the minimum wage requirement for EPC in line with the increase in PLI,” she told the Dewan Negara today.
She also hopes that the government can increase the monthly assistance of the Social Welfare Department (SWD) for the disabled to RM1,000 as announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in August.
She said that based on the current economic situation in the country and the high cost of living, the monthly assistance is important for the disabled.
At the same time, she said it was time for the local authorities (PBT) and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) to take stern action against those who misuse public facilities provided specifically for the disabled.
“Serious enforcement such as a maximum fine of up to RM500 for misusing special parking bay for the disabled, is crucial. Fines and penalties like this have long been implemented in foreign countries such as Australia and Ireland,” she said.
Meanwhile, during a press conference, Ras Adiba said that she hoped the Local Government Act 1976 and the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Act 2008 would be brought to the next session of the Dewan Rakyat as an effort to protect the disabled and strengthen law enforcement.
“I hope KPKT to work with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development in an effort to amend the Local Government Act 1976 and the PwD Act 2008 so that strict enforcement can be implemented,” she said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Dec 17 2020
Senator Ras Adiba Radzi said that currently only those earning RM1,200 and below are eligible for the EPC, despite the fact that PLI has been revised to RM2,208 in July. - BERNAMA
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.