eMadani boost for rakyat as credit rolls in

 

So far, over seven million people have applied for the RM100 eMadani credit, which is expected to benefit 10 million people at a total cost of RM1 billion.  (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Recipients of the RM100 eMadani credit have welcomed the initiative, saying it will help ease their financial burden and boost the adoption of digital wallets.

Members of the public who spoke to FMT said the initiative would also allow them to “enjoy life a little bit more”.

“Let’s say, on a day-to-day basis, I eat at a mamak restaurant – with the e-wallet credit I can go to a cafe instead,” said Toriah Mansur, 29.

Customer service associate Karthigai Sivakumar, 24, said the RM100 credit would go a long way in helping her buy items for her child, especially when her salary runs out.

“As someone who is married and has a child, there are a lot of commitments so of course we can use it for the future.”

Under the eMadani initiative, Malaysians aged 21 and above who are recipients of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah or earning an annual income of RM100,000 and below based on the Inland Revenue Board’s records will be eligible to redeem the RM100 e-credit until Feb 20 next year.

So far, well over seven million people have applied for the credit, which is expected to benefit 10 million people at a total cost of RM1 billion.

Those eligible can redeem their credit through four e-wallet providers: MAE, Setel, ShopeePay and Touch ‘n Go eWallet.

Farah Hayati, 25, said the “extra pocket money” was a good short-term measure.

“You can use the money for lunch, dinner, and other expenses for transportation,” she said, adding however that she did not consider it a long-term solution to rising living costs.

Freelancer Mohd Salman, 32, said the initiative would give a boost to many, especially youths as many of them already buy goods online.

“RM100 is a lot for some people. There will be those who think it is a small amount but many more will see it as a big amount.”

Content moderator Arvin Raw, 27, said the value of the initiative went beyond the RM100 e-credit as it would facilitate the adoption of cashless transactions, especially among first-time users.

“If they want to use their credit, they will have to educate themselves on how to access it on e-wallet platforms.

“So it’s helpful for people who don’t engage in (cashless transactions),” he told FMT.

Haiza Shahfinaz, 26, who works as a train stewardess, shared similar views, saying it would encourage senior citizens to start using e-wallets instead of carrying cash around. - FMT