Cash Transfer Programme in Malaysia - A Conceptual Analysis

Mohd Ahadan Md Nooh ,Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah,Geetha Subramaniam

doi:10.6007/ijarbss/v11-i2/7992

Mohd Ahadan Md Nooh , Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v11-i2/7992

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Abstract

Poverty eradication remains an important agenda today and is one of the key indicators in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of the initiatives to address poverty among the poor and vulnerable groups implemented in many countries is the cash transfer programme (CTP). In 2012, the Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (BR1M) scheme was introduced as one of the CTPs in Malaysia, which was recently rebranded as Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH). However, in spite of the merits of CTP, one of the main critiques is that it does not provide evidence of meaningful impact on the community and does not reach its intended target. Hence, this conceptual paper first examines best practices of CTP in other countries and the recipients’ perception on CTP. This paper further explores some issues with regards to CTP in its aim to address the cost of living and quality of life issues. This conceptual study would form a theoretical framework for further empirical work to be done so that it can be used by policy makers and stakeholders to design and improve CTPs to achieve better outcomes.

Highlights

Poverty eradication still remains an important agenda today and is one of the key indicators in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This paper further explores some issues with regards to Cash transfer programme (CTP) in its aim to address the cost of living and quality of life issues
In their review of the Puente programme, Chile, Nun and Trucco (2008) conclude that social protection improves recipients’ quality of life by meeting minimum social standards. This conceptual review on CTPs in Malaysia has led to some interesting conclusions

Summary

Introduction

Poverty eradication still remains an important agenda today and is one of the key indicators in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Cash transfer programme (CTP) is one of the initiatives employed by many countries as a social protection strategy to address poverty among the poor and vulnerable groups. Research Proposition Social protection and cash transfer play a key role in promoting equity and social cohesion (World Bank, 2019), which is important especially for the vulnerable groups This measure has large financial requirements and may impact the financial position of the government as it may not be sustainable in the future (OECD, 2019b). In their review of the Puente programme, Chile, Nun and Trucco (2008) conclude that social protection improves recipients’ quality of life by meeting minimum social standards

Conclusion

Findings

Background