Key Highlights Of The Newly-Announced Special Permai Aid Package Worth RM15 Billion

Eunis Ong

Last updated 18 Jan 2021

permai aid package special malaysia muhyiddin announcement

PM Announces Special Aid Package

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has addressed the nation again on 18 Jan to announce a special aid package (Pakej Bantuan Khas) worth RM15 billion. The Permai (Perlindungan Ekonomi dan Rakyat Malaysia) Assistance Package will combat three main goals: to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, safeguard the people's welfare, and support business continuity in these tough times.

Highlights Of The New Permai Assistance Package

A total of 22 initiatives will be implemented under Permai, here are some that were mentioned during the special announcement earlier:

All medical frontliners will receive a one-off payment of RM500 - RM300 to be distributed in the first quarter of 2021.
The first batch of vaccines will be arriving in Malaysia in February 2021 and it is forecasted that 80% of Malaysians will be vaccinated by the first quarter of 2022.

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RM150mil has been allocated to recruit an additional 3,500 healthcare workers to support the current healthcare system, which is reported to be at its breaking point.
Tax exemptions for computers, phones, and tablets worth below RM2,500 will be extended till 31 Dec 2021.
A food basket programme will be implemented by the Social and Welfare Department (JKM) and will provide essential food items (worth RM100) to each eligible household.
RM25mil to be allocated under the GLC Disaster Relief Network for community assistance with regards to the elderly, homeless, disabled, and flood victims.
The free 1-gigabit data initiative will be extended till end of April 2021.
PTPTN borrowers can apply for a three-month loan repayment moratorium.
The Wage Subsidy Programme 3.0 under SOCSO will be enhanced, and employers operating in MCO states will be eligible to apply for it, regardless of their sector. For a period of one month, eligible employers can receive a wage subsidy amounting to RM500 for each of their employees earning less than RM4,000.
Moratorium facility, including extension of the moratorium and restructuring of loan repayment will continue to be offered by banks.
Credit counselling will be given by phone and online.
14,000 tour guides and 118,000 drivers (taxis, school buses, tour buses, rental cars, and e-hailing vehicles) will receive a one-off financial assistance of RM500.
6 business sectors nationwide (comprising of hotel operators, theme parks, convention centres, malls, local airline offices, travel and tour agencies) will receive a 10% off special discount on electricity bills from January to March 2021.
The Prihatin Special Grant Plus assistance will be extended to cover 500,000 SMEs in states affected by the MCO, with a payment of RM1,000 each. SMEs in other states will receive RM500 each.