ID :
198677
Tue, 08/02/2011 - 10:55
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/198677
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FOMCA WANTS FOOD STAMPS TO BE DISTRIBUTED FAIRLY
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) while welcoming the proposed introduction of food stamps for the poor and needy, wants the government to ensure that its distribution is clearly defined and fair.
Fomca president N. Marimuthu said Tuesday that such a system existed in various countries and was found to be effective in assisting the poor.
He told Bernama that the system was in place in the United States for over 40 years and was working very well to lessen the hardship of the poor.
He was commenting on the government’s move to introduce such a system to help cushion the effects of inflation among the poor and the needy in society.
Under the US system, there are certain basic criteria, like household income of less than US$2,000 per month, number of disabled and old aged parents, for a family to quality for food stamps. Even the migrant poor are considered for the programme.
Marimuthu was not sure how the system in Malaysia would be based, but hoped that a thorough study would be made before introducing the system to ensure that only the really needy would benefit.
He said studies had shown that within the next 10 years, food prices in the country would double and it was thus necessary to make preparations now to face this eventuality.
"The food stamp, therefore, is a move in the right direction to address the issue," he added.
Fomca president N. Marimuthu said Tuesday that such a system existed in various countries and was found to be effective in assisting the poor.
He told Bernama that the system was in place in the United States for over 40 years and was working very well to lessen the hardship of the poor.
He was commenting on the government’s move to introduce such a system to help cushion the effects of inflation among the poor and the needy in society.
Under the US system, there are certain basic criteria, like household income of less than US$2,000 per month, number of disabled and old aged parents, for a family to quality for food stamps. Even the migrant poor are considered for the programme.
Marimuthu was not sure how the system in Malaysia would be based, but hoped that a thorough study would be made before introducing the system to ensure that only the really needy would benefit.
He said studies had shown that within the next 10 years, food prices in the country would double and it was thus necessary to make preparations now to face this eventuality.
"The food stamp, therefore, is a move in the right direction to address the issue," he added.
