The eBelia programme was one of the initiatives announced under the 2021 budget to help promote a cashless society. It is also expected to alleviate some of the financial burden faced by youths aged 18 to 20 and eligible Malaysians studying at local institutions of higher learning.

The programme was a collaboration between various ministries – finance, higher education, youth and sports, education, agriculture and food industry, rural development, and human resources – as well as the department of Islamic development Malaysia(JAKIM).

Initially, a total of RM200 million was allocated to provide RM100 e-wallet credit to each eligible youth.

However, the government enhanced this initiative with an additional allocation of RM100 million under the Pemerkasa programmne announced in March, which brings the total allocation for the eBelia programme to RM300 million.

“With this additional allocation, eligible recipients can claim RM150 in e-wallet credit, instead of the original RM100,” the finance ministry said in a statement.

It added that the credit would be offered through four e-wallet service providers, namely BigPay, Boost, ShopeePay and Touch ‘n Go eWallet, with applicants allowed to claim their RM150 from any one of the four participating providers.

According to the finance ministry, data of eligible youths would be cross-checked with registered local institutions and other relevant government databases to confirm their eligibility.

Youths will be able to submit their applications for the eBelia credit between June 1 and July 22 but the amount credited must be used by July 31.

“Eligible recipients are encouraged to update their e-wallet accounts or download the e-wallet apps before June 1.”