ARAU — The Perlis state government has set aside RM1.5 million for its 2026 Aidilfitri Assistance Programme, which is expected to benefit around 15,000 recipients across the state.
Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah said the festive aid will be distributed across all 15 state constituencies, with each constituency involving approximately 1,000 recipients.
He added that the state government intends to expand the programme in the coming years by increasing the number of beneficiaries to 2,000 recipients per constituency starting in 2027.
The expansion aims to ensure that more residents in need receive financial assistance during the festive period.
Distribution Taking Place in Stages
According to Abu Bakar, the festive cash assistance programme began in the constituencies of Titi Tinggi and Beseri before being gradually implemented in other areas.
The distribution of aid will continue until March 18 to ensure that all eligible recipients across the 15 constituencies receive the assistance.
The beneficiaries include several categories of individuals requiring support, such as single mothers, orphans, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, asnaf recipients and families from the B40 income group.
Abu Bakar said the selection and registration process is conducted carefully through service centres in each constituency.
The District Administration Division also monitors the process to ensure that the aid reaches deserving recipients and that no eligible individuals are overlooked.
Public Welfare Remains a Priority
The Menteri Besar stressed that the welfare and well-being of the people of Perlis remain a central focus of the state government.
Various welfare initiatives and Ramadan-related programmes have been implemented to support communities throughout the holy month.
The Aidilfitri assistance initiative is intended to help ease the financial burden of families preparing for the festive celebration.
Ramadan Bazaar Prices Still Affordable
During the same visit, Abu Bakar conducted a walkabout at the Kangar Municipal Council Ramadan bazaar in Arau to observe the situation among traders and visitors.
He said that based on his observations, food and beverage prices at the bazaar remained reasonable.
He also noted that consumer purchasing activity appeared strong, indicating healthy spending among visitors.
One of the factors contributing to the stable prices, he explained, is the relatively low rental rates for bazaar stalls.
The Kangar Municipal Council has set the stall rental fee at RM10 per day, which amounts to about RM300 for the entire Ramadan period.
Sharing With the Community
During the walkabout, the Menteri Besar purchased various food and beverage items from vendors at the bazaar.
The items were later distributed to bazaar visitors as part of a gesture of sharing with the community.
The visit was also attended by state Agriculture Committee chairman Megat Hashirat Hassan and Kangar Municipal Council president Affendi Rajini Kanth.
-wilayah.com.my
