Penang Governor Calls For More Targeted, Inclusive Approach In i-Sejahtera Programme

GEORGE TOWN, May 16 (Bernama) -- Penang's newly appointed Governor, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, has called for the i-Sejahtera welfare programme to be continued with a more targeted and inclusive approach, emphasising the need to prioritise those genuinely in need while introducing sustainable empowerment alternatives such as skills training and micro-aid.
This initiative should not merely alleviate burdens, but also create opportunities for self-reliance and raise the socio-economic status of recipients, he said in his speech when opening the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly today.
Ramli also praised the Penang government's commitment to welfare, noting that RM50.54 million was disbursed through i-Sejahtera in 2024, benefiting over 280,000 recipients.
'The scale of this programme reflects not only its reach but also the state government's dedication to enhancing lives regardless of age, status, or background,' he said.
On May 9, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that a review of the i-Sejahtera programme is currently underway to ensure it achieves its intended impact.
The i-Sejahtera programme is an expression of appreciation and concern from the state government that is given in the form of financial aid once a year to the people of Penang, namely the elderly, the disabled, single mothers, housewives and infants aged two years and below.
In his speech, Ramli also stressed the importance of continuously refining state-level planning to ensure welfare and social development efforts remain relevant and effective.
This includes the Penang State Structure Plan 2040, which is being reviewed to strengthen and align existing policies under the Penang2030 vision, he said.
Meanwhile, the Governor also expressed appreciation to the federal government for its continued support of major infrastructure projects in Penang, which aim to improve mobility and connectivity across the state, such as the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Expressway (JSD), the LRT Mutiara Line, the Sungai Perak Treated Water Transfer Project or the Perak-Penang Water Project (PAP), and the expansion of the Penang International Airport.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Barnama

41 minutes ago

• Barnama

Defence Ministry Keeping Close Watch On Iran-Israel Conflict

KOTA TINGGI, June 21 (Bernama) -- The Defence Ministry will continue to closely monitor developments in the Iran-Israel conflict, given its potential implications for regional security and national interests, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the situation is alarming as it could escalate into a broader conflict, including disrupting the global supply chains, impacting the world economy, and endangering the safety of Malaysians in the region. 'We are monitoring the developments. When a world war breaks out, all countries are affected, oil prices surge, supply chains are disrupted, global trade is hampered, and trading nations like Malaysia will also feel the impact,' he said.

Barnama

2 hours ago

• Barnama

European Officials Urge Iran To Stay Engaged In Diplomacy As Israeli Attacks Continue

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, flanked by France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas speaks to media after nuclear talks with Iran in Geneva, Switzerland, June 20, 2025. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse GENEVA, June 21 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Top European diplomats on Friday stressed the urgency of continued dialogue with Iran following talks in Geneva aimed at de-escalating regional tensions and reviving negotiations on Tehran's nuclear programme, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, met with his counterparts from the UK, France, and Germany (known as the E3), as well as Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief. Indirect talks between Iran and the US had been taking place when Israel launched strikes against Iran's nuclear and military facilities on June 13, prompting retaliation. The tit-for-tat attacks have continued since then. bootstrap slideshow Speaking after the meeting, Kallas said the talks made clear that "regional escalation benefits no one," underlining the need to maintain open channels with Tehran. "We agreed that we will discuss nuclear but also broader issues that we have, and keep the discussions open" to make progress, she said. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy gave a similar message, urging Tehran to remain at the table. "We are keen to continue ongoing discussions and negotiations with Iran, and we urge Iran to continue their talks with the United States," he said. "This is a perilous moment, and it is hugely important that we don't see regional escalation of this conflict." French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stressed that the initiative had been closely coordinated with key allies and could lay the groundwork for broader negotiations.

Barnama

2 hours ago

• Barnama

PDRM Will Remain Trusted Under Mohd Khalid's Watch

KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has congratulated Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail on his appointment as the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP). Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that Mohd Khalid will adopt a comprehensive and progressive approach to safeguarding national security and public order based on his outstanding leadership track record, including serving as the Bukit Aman Special Branch director and holding various strategic positions since 2018. 'Insya-Allah, under Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid's leadership, I believe that the Royal Malaysia Police will continue to be a trusted institution among the people, respected by both friend and foe,' he said in a Facebook post today.