Some feel that the handout of BR1M to be increased as RM950 per year, up from RM600 previously, still cannot soften the impact from the rising cost of living.
Ng Hock Lai, 57, said her previous BR1M payment ran out quickly.
“The amount is too small to offset the cost of living in the Klang Valley. BR1M only gives short-term relief,” said Ng.
The widow, who drives students to school on weekdays, said she used her BR1M money to pay for petrol.
After her husband died nine years ago, she took up a part-time job in a restaurant on weekends, but even with two jobs, she earns less than RM2,000 a month.
Her daughter, Cathy Lim, said she was worried that the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) would further increase the cost of living.
“I feel that there is not enough support for single mothers like me,” said Lim, who lost her husband a year ago.
“I feel it will be more helpful if the Government subsidises or gives more personal tax relief for day care.”
Lim, who works for an Australian mining company, earns just over RM4,000 per month.
As such, she would not be among the 300,000 people exempted from tax, as announced under Budget 2015.
“For single mothers living in the city, even more than RM5,000 is not enough.
“I have two young children and with my salary, I still feel the pinch,” said Lim – source thestaronline
