00:00Recently, governments around the world have been using cash to help people in need.
00:07For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the US government made a huge payment,
00:13known as Economic Impact Payments, to help individuals and families in need.
00:19Prior to that, in 2003, Brazil introduced Bolsa Familia, a social welfare program,
00:25to reduce poverty and inequality among low-income families,
00:30by providing them with financial assistance.
00:33So, how does cash help benefit the Malaysian people and economy?
00:39Imagine an economy like a park.
00:42Plants represent people and businesses,
00:45and water also represents the availability of cash,
00:48which fertilizes these plants and helps them grow.
00:52Not all plants will grow at the same rate.
00:55Some will definitely wither due to lack of water.
00:59These withering plants represent individuals and families in the B40 group
01:04who may not be able to meet their own household needs.
01:09Without sufficient water supply, these plants may wither,
01:14damaging not only themselves, but the beauty of the entire park.
01:19Cash assistance is like this withering plant serum.
01:23With this cash, those who wither with spending can provide their needs,
01:28such as food, housing and health care.
01:32As a result, business activities run more smoothly.
01:36So, what started as cash assistance is easy to develop
01:40into a bigger business to help the entire community.
01:44This is called a double-edged sword.
01:47The Ministry of Economy estimates that for every RM1 of cash assistance,
01:51RM2.52 is allocated to the local economy.
01:55In Malaysia, programs such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah
01:58and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah are designed to water the plants
02:01in our most necessary economic areas.
02:05But the impact of these programs does not stop there.
02:09Increased spending has the effect of electricity
02:12which helps local businesses remain open.
02:16When more people spend money, more businesses recover,
02:20then growth spreads to the entire community.
02:24Cash assistance not only helps those who receive,
02:27but also strengthens the entire economy,
02:30then creates a growth cycle.
02:33Hailey Izhati, Berita Femteh.
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