Great benefits: Chow (second from left), deputy state finance officer Khairusany Mohamed Yusof (third from left) and Lim (fourth from right) at the press conference in Komtar. — K.T. GOH/The StarGEORGE TOWN: Penang will spend RM50.93mil on 281,135 recipients under Phase One of this year’s i-Sejahtera aid programme.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the aid will be disbursed via electronic fund transfer starting Feb 7.
He said the allocation would benefit 211,471 senior citizens, 16,694 persons with disabilities, 10,296 single mothers and 42,674 recipients under the golden housewife scheme.
“This programme is the state government’s ongoing commitment to the well-being of the people, particularly vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, the disabled, single mothers and housewives,” he said during a press conference in Komtar yesterday.
Chow said the allocation, which amounted to about 5% of the state’s revenue, is slightly lower than in 2025 due to a more targeted and focused approach.
Last year, the state government spent RM56.76mil on 290,629 recipients under various i-Sejahtera programmes.
Chow said the adjustment reflected updated recipient data and stricter eligibility screening to ensure aid reaches those who are genuinely in need.
He said the initiative went beyond financial assistance, serving as recognition of the contributions made by these groups to the state’s social and economic development.
Applications submitted after Jan 10 will be processed for payment under Phase Two of the 2026 programme, he added.
Also present was Penang social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim.
Registration can be carried out via the official i-Sejahtera website at https://isejahtera.penang.gov.my.
Applicants are encouraged to update their bank account details to ensure smooth payment processing.
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