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KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor government will pay RM2,000 for the funeral expenses of Selangor residents above 60 years of age, regardless of race or religion.
But Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo said only people who had stayed in the state for 15 years are qualified to receive the aid.
The assistance will also be available to families of the disabled, regardless of age.
Dr Khir said the benefit was the state's way of repaying the people for helping Selangor achieve encouraging economic growth.
"This is one way of saying thanks to the people for helping the state prosper," he said when launching the fund at Dewan Beringin, Taman Seri Gombak.
A sum of RM1 million had been allocated to the fund, with the state government committing to annual allocations.
In the event of a death, relatives should obtain a form from the nearest district or state assemblyman's office.
The form should be submitted along with the death certificate, proof of kinship, a copy of the applicant's identity card or disabled persons registration card to the district office.
Proof of residence is also needed from a state assemblyman, village headman, chairman of the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), mosque supervisor or housing estate chairman.
The scheme was approved in November by the Selangor state assembly.
"Selangor has been achieving strong economic success with a growth rate of 6.3 per cent compared with the federal growth rate of six per cent.
"With this increase in revenue, more programmes can be carried out in the state."
Dr Khir said the state had also received RM201 million in tithes last year.
"When I first became MB, I told state religious authorities that I wanted to target RM40 million in tithes annually and they said it was impossible.
"Now our tithe collection is three times more than in the Federal Territories.
"This is a blessed state. I believe in the concept that if you are willing to give, then you will get even more in return," he added.
