GOVT EXTENDS SOCIAL SAFETY NET DESPITE ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY

BUTTERWORTH (Malaysia), Jan 11 (Bernama) -- Even during the current economic
uncertainty, the government continues to extend its social safety net and
welfare work for the sake of the poor and needy.

Second Finance Minister Nor Mohamed Yakcop said this was the government's
initiative to ensure the people could enjoy a good life, in line with the
nation's development.

"The government introduced the scheme last year, and will extend the
social safety net so that more people from the low-income group can be
assisted," he said after visiting a poor couple in a village in this northern
town Sunday.

The couple's house is undergoing repairs under the house-repair scheme
managed by the ministry's subsidiary, Pro Khas.

Nor Mohamed said with the RM500 million allocation set aside for the scheme,
it was anticipated that 110,000 families would benefit this year. (US$1=RM3.60)

"The allocation is for poor families nationwide. In northern state of
Penang, we have targeted 1,500 families in which 300 are located in Tasek
Gelugor," he added.

Nor Mohamed said the government would also seek cooperation from social
welfare department officials, as well as members of parliament or state
assemblymen of the respective constituencies, to provide information on needy
families.
-- BERNAMA