Johor elderly aid system sparks row between DAP and state govt [WATCH]

JOHOR BARU: The distribution mechanism for Johor’s Bantuan Kasih Johor (BKJ) welfare aid has sparked a political spat after DAP strategic director Liew Chin Tong called for reforms to make the system more efficient and elderly-friendly.

The Iskandar Puteri MP and Perling assemblyman said recent implementation issues highlighted weaknesses that needed urgent attention, adding that welfare assistance should not burden recipients, particularly senior citizens required to attend physical collection exercises.

Liew, who is also deputy finance minister, proposed that aid be channelled directly into recipients’ bank accounts instead of cash handovers at designated venues.

“Cash assistance should be channelled directly through banking institutions or credited into recipients’ accounts,” he said, adding that the move would improve safety and convenience for the elderly.

Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Md Jafni Shukor, however, defended the state’s approach, accusing critics of politicising welfare programmes under the Barisan Nasional-led administration.

“I read Liew Chin Tong’s statement regarding BKJ for senior citizens. There is nothing wrong with criticism,” he said.

“But what puzzles the rakyat is why similar aid ceremonies in Pakatan Harapan-led states, complete with photo opportunities and social media promotion, never become an issue. When Johor does it, suddenly it becomes controversial.”

Jafni said BKJ was not merely about financial aid but also about ensuring senior citizens felt appreciated and connected to the government.

“In Johor, BKJ is not simply about giving money and finishing the job. We want senior citizens to feel valued, cared for and acknowledged,” he said.

He said that some elderly recipients also required emotional support and personal engagement beyond financial assistance.

“Sometimes the elderly do not only need money in their bank accounts. They also need attention and compassion,” he added.

However, Jafni said that bedridden senior citizens and persons with disabilities were not required to attend physical ceremonies.

He said recipients only needed to update their details through the system provided to facilitate disbursement.

He said that Johor’s approach under Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi was to engage directly with the rakyat on the ground.

“We want to go to the ground, meet the people ourselves and hear their problems directly. That is our way of working,” he added.

Jafni urged against politicising the initiative, saying the public could distinguish between genuine engagement and criticism from the sidelines.

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المصدر: New Straits Times