Teo Nie Ching (PH-Kulai) told the Dewan Rakyat that former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin had announced the “immediate” increase on Dec 3 last year.

“Is the proposal just an empty promise? Or do we need to change the term ‘immediately’ to one year?” she asked.

Teo had interjected deputy family and community minister Siti Zailah Mohd Yusof, who said her ministry had forwarded the proposal to the finance ministry.

“The approval will depend on the government’s finances,” Siti Zailah said.

She said that at present, the assistance is based on the needs of each household, with some families receiving up to RM1,900, such as the case of senior citizens, a single mother and a handicapped child all living under one roof. Others receive RM150 or more, depending on their needs.

The total amount of aid is RM1.6 billion, she said.

When Teo asked when Muhyiddin’s “promise” would materialise, Siti Zailah said the welfare aid would be based on the needs of an individual or a household.

Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub (BN-Machang) asked the reasons for delays in receiving welfare assistance.

“Even after three months of a death, the welfare officers do not visit the affected house,” he said.

Siti Zailah told Ahmad to inform the ministry immediately if there was a delay. She said all applications were being handled online since March 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We will ensure all those who qualify will get help,” she said.