By Syauqi Jamil
KUALA LUMPUR – Ever since taking over Selangor in 2008, the Pakatan Harapan lead state government made their intentions clear in coming up with a massive agenda to distribute the state’s wealth equally among its people.
Today, through a program called Inisiatif Peduli Rakyat (IPR), the state wealth, have since been meted out to the rakyat through various programs, given directly to the people of Selangor who truly require it.
Meant to mobilize the people in the form of social plans, skills, and knowledge, IPR is vital for the people of Selangor in keeping up with the state’s rapid development.
In a program held on Sept 14 in Dewan Kampung Hulu Chuchoh, Sepang, a sum of RM1.49 million was contributed by the Selangor state government to 545 IPR receivers, under numerous programs, all for the locals of the Sepang district.
Selangor Journal managed to speak to a few of the receivers to find out how far IPR contributions can assist them in their business advancement.
A Helping Hand
V Vaneiy, 37, who owns a computer, based business, saw significant growth in her business after receiving a printing machine worth RM28, 000.
“It really helped my business. I was unable to do so before this as the price for a printing machine is really high. Now I can operate more services and increase my printing output,” she said.
For breeder A Mogan, 37, the contributions of five cattle eased him off the burden of forking out thousands of Ringgit of his own money.
“I received five cows. Usually a cow could cost me between RM400 to RM500. I am thankful to the Selangor state government as this will definitely help me as a breeder,” he said.
A young farmer, who received RM30,000 worth of farming infrastructures like water pump, water reservoir and fences said such programs truly help people who needed a jump start in their business.
Muhamad Fadhli Hamdan, 24, who started small due to lack of funding, now foresees his business blooming drastically with bigger production output but more manageable at the same time.
“We started from scratch. We have to do everything ourselves. It is programs like this that really helps us expand further. I hope there will be more programs such as this, maybe this time they can help with fertiliser and other farming input,” he said.
Three good friends Ong Kim Eng, 66; Pang Lie Ing, 30 and another one who only wished to be known as Teh Mua, 53, said that they wanted to start sewing for money but unable to due to the high price of an automatic sewing machine.
They expressed great delight upon receiving one auto cut and sew machine each, which was said to cost roughly around RM4, 000 apiece.
“Each of us are so happy to get it, even if it’s just one unit. Auto cut and sew machines are very expensive compared to the normal ones. You don’t have to cut the materials manually. This will allow us to do business at ease with reduced workload,” said Ong.
Spurring Economic Growth
During the event, Selangor Menteri Besar, Amirudin Shari said the contributions are given in forms that would make the receivers non-dependent towards government aides.
Despite IPR being criticised and given a negative impression by the opposition during its earlier days after it was implemented, it goes to show that it is all untrue based on Selangor’s continuous economic growth and development.
“For the past three years, the state government had contributed a lot through IPR programs with hopes that the people of Selangor can help in the state’s economic advancement. We believe, with these contributions, the people of Selangor can help develop the state with us,” he said.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK MB!
Meanwhile, besides being thankful for the contributions, the IPR receivers also expressed their admiration, surprise and gratitude for Amirudin’s effort in coming down to rural areas to personally attend to people’s needs.
Vaneiy said that other leaders should emulate Amirudin’s efforts by coming down and meeting the people who voted for them so that these leaders can truly know the issues on the ground.
“I am so happy to be able to meet the MB, especially in places like this. We usually see him in city area, not rural areas such as this. I was shocked but happy to see him here,” she said.
Fadhli also applauded Amirudin’s initiative and said that he looks forward to the MB’s journey through other rural places within Selangor.
“It’s a really a good initiative for him to come down and meet us personally to give out these contributions. I hope other areas in Selangor can have this experience as well,” he said.
Amirudin on that day started his ‘turun padang’ state-wide tour, kicking it off with Sepang.
He said the tour will involve all districts where work visits will happen once every two weeks to two months, depending on his schedule.
The tour will most likely end by next year, as part of the state government’s effort in getting closer to the people.
