No support for cashless aid payment

WE, Malaysians with disabilities (OKU), are shocked, disappointed and outraged that the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) is still intent on introducing the cashless monthly assistance payment system (JKMPAY) despite our protest against it at Parliament earlier this year.

An engagement session was held on Nov 29 in Putrajaya to provide feedback on the system, but it was poorly attended.

We now fear that JKM will give the false impression that the system has the support of the majority of OKU, particularly those who are recipients of the allowance for disabled workers.

Under JKMPAY, which was introduced in February 2021, recipients of welfare aid would receive their allowances in 50% cash (banked into their Bank Islam accounts) and 50% cashless payments (stored in a JKMPAY card that allows recipients to purchase essentials, including medication, at 250 shops registered with Bank Islam).

It makes no sense to us that JKM is actually making it harder for us to access our RM450 monthly allowance.

If JKM is sincere in wanting to help the OKU now and in future, it should be looking into increasing the amount of financial aid so that we can have a decent standard of living.

JKM should ensure that all disabled Malaysians get at least RM500 a month to meet our basic needs, especially medical assistance.

G. FRANCIS SIVA President Independent Living & Training Centre Malaysia

(Independent Living & Training Centre Malaysia is a non-governmental organisation established on Sept 6, 2001 by the disabled for the disabled.)