KUALA SELANGOR, 15 Dec: The Selangor Governement has already spent RM600 million for welfare programmes under the ‘Localising the Selangor Economy’ also known as ‘Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor’ (MES) agenda.
These programmes include aid in the case of deaths and the Jom Shopping Golden Age Friendly Scheme (SMUE – Skim Mesra Usia Emas) and the Selangor Children Heritage Fund (TAWAS).
Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that although the Selangor Government has allocated a huge amount for the programmes, however the Selangor Government Cash Reserves has now increased to RM2 billion.
“So this means that although the Selangor Government is spending a lot, it still has savings because we know where the money is spent.
“Of all the money spent by the Selangor Government, the people can see its transparency.
“That way the people will come together in its development. Now, the people can say that it is ‘our money’,” said Abdul Khalid.
He said that Selangor government has an effective record system for seniors compared to the previous government. This system will ease the channelling of assistance.
He said this during the SMUE Assistance Presentation Ceremony at the compound of Ijok State Assembly Service Office.
Abdul Khalid and his wife, Puan Sri Salbiah Tunut together delivered the SMUE to 47 recipients for the Second Phase of the Ijok area worth RM1,000.
Also present was the President of the Kuala Selangor District Council (MDKS), Noraini Roslan and the newly appointed Kuala Selangor District Officer, Mohamad Yasid Bidin.
Yasid also previously served on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Meanwhile SMUE benefits recipient, Mohd Sahar Sadri, 43, said the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) led Selangor Government’s efforts should be emulated by other states.
“This SMUE programme is good and I would like to thank the Selangor Government under the leadership of Pakatan Rakyat that is running this scheme because it can also lessen the burden of beneficiaries,” he said.