Those who are familiar with India will know about ration cards (or ration stamps). Its a method whereby folks can buy essential items at controlled prices.
The MHS (Penang Branch) is proposing a similar system in Malaysia.
Maybe in Malaysia, can implement using our MyKads. Set up “ration offices” or counters” at strategic location or make use of the existing shops by equipping them with MyKad readers.
The Penang branch of the Malaysian Hindu Sangam (MHS) wants the government to issue ration cards for essential commodities for the hardcore poor to help them cope with the rapidly rising cost of living.
Association deputy chairperson cum its social and welfare sub-committee chairperson P Murugiah told Malaysiakini that prices of essential foods items like rice, cooking oil , sugar and milk have jumped a mind-boggling 200 percent compared to 10 years ago.
He cited cases of mothers who, unable to breastfeed their new-born babies, opt for water mixed with sugar or condensed milk; young children dropping out of schools to work to help the family and those unable to settle their electricity and water bills, turning to oil lamps.
The hardcore poor survive on only one meal a day and that too non-nutritious food of either roti canai or nasi lemak.
He claimed that a some single mothers have been driven by financial desperation to vice to support their children .
He quoted the prices of some food like cheap fish which used to be between 30 sen to 50 sen per 600 gms about 10 years ago, now go for RM2 per 600 gms, ikan billis price has soared 300 percent, a loaf of bread once RM1, is now RM3 , eggs that cost 10 sen each now go for between 25-30 sen.
Murugiah (left) said the government should consider emulating measures taken by India to alleviate the plight of the poorest through ration cards.
The BPL or below the poverty line ration card is issued to the head of an Indian family whose total earnings is below Rs10,000 per annum (RM700) while those categorised above the poverty line (APL) with a total family income of more than Rs10,000 are each issued a white ration card annually.
A ration card is a very useful document as it helps save money by aiding in the procurement of essential commodities at subsidised rates.
According to Murugiah, the hardcore poor in India are entitled to free essential items every month.
On the government’s plan to phase out all subsidies because of depleting public funds, Murugiah criticised Putrayaja for wasting public funds on mega projects that brought little benefit to the public, especially those in the lower income group.
“The government’s top priority should be to ensure a social safety net for its citizens rather than building public monuments which are a waste of tax-payers’ money.
On its part the Penang MHS, through public donations, is providing monthly food rations to poor families comprising 32 Malays, 22 Indians and 10 Chinese.