Perak sees few takers for i-Suri scheme

IPOH: The i-Suri incentive scheme has received lukewarm response in Perak, says the state exco member involved.

State Women and Family Development, Character Development and Community Welfare Committee chairman Wong May Ing said only 1,454 women registered for the housewives’ Employees Provident Fund (EPF) account as of June 30.

“The total eligible women in Perak entitled to apply for the incentive is 13,603.

“We approached some of the non-applicants and asked why, and many said their husbands could not afford to pay RM5 a month as required by the programme,” she told reporters after the state assembly sitting yesterday.

i-Suri was introduced earlier by the Pakatan Harapan government to encourage housewives, single mothers, divorcees and widows to start saving independently for their future.

Husbands of the registered recipients will contribute a minimum amount of RM5 monthly or RM60 per year to be eligible for the incentive of RM40 per month given by the government.

She said the government was working together with the State Implementation and Coordination Unit (ICU) to encourage eligible recipients to take advantage of the incentive.

“In October, we held roadshows at all 10 districts in Perak to raise awareness about the incentive.

“We believe that some did not know about the long-term benefits of the scheme,” added Wong.

She said Terengganu recorded the highest registered recipients with 6,905, and Perlis as the lowest with just 401.