LETTERS: Although there are different views about the 2021 Budget, the fact remains that it has been worked out by experienced hands at the Finance Ministry, Treasury and Bank Negara.
All Malaysians expect that the budget will help the nation when the repercussions of the lockdown and economic slowdown are more acutely felt next year.
Given the financial constraints, this was possibly the best the government could do to prepare the country for next year.
One aspect of the budget pertaining to single people under the BPR caught my attention and I want to elaborate on it. The amount provided for singles under the BPH has been reduced to RM350, although the eligibility has been brought down from 40 years to 21 years.
However, I feel that the budget has overlooked a group of people in the singles category – single senior citizens. They include widows, widowers or bachelors. These people belong to a vulnerable group that needs the help of the government during these tough times.
These people are either retired or poor, and do not have any income or are dependent on their children who themselves could be facing hard times now. Furthermore, this group has health issues that need treatment, payment for hospitalisation and transportation expenses to hospital.
These singles cannot be compared to the singles in the above-21 age group who are usually working, in good health and drawing a reasonable income befitting their qualifications and work. RM350 for this group may be enough if they don't complain.
However, for single senior citizens, the amount needs to be higher – if possible, RM1,000. Those with families are paid RM1,200 – RM1,800 next year.
Please spare a thought for single senior citizens who have, during their prime, given their best to the nation. I hope that the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister will look into this issue and rectify the shortcoming.
V Thomas
Sg Buloh, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times