By Zareef Muzammil
SABAK BERNAM, March 19 — The state government will analyse the need to raise the minimum household income threshold for Skim Air Darul Ehsan (SADE) applicants to RM6,000, said state executive councillor for infrastructure and public facilities Izham Hashim
Doing so will ensure the target of 600,000 registrations for the scheme can be achieved.
“We will look into it, if the registrations are still low in numbers, we may raise (the minimum income limit) as Selangor’s income poverty line is RM6,000 rather than based on the national level.
“If that (income threshold) is indeed the case, then we will bring a proposal to raise the scheme’s minimum household income limit,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference during the Jelajah Kita Selangor Penyayang roadshow at Bagan Terap earlier today, Izham said a total of 300,000 people have since applied for SADE, or half of its targeted numbers.
While admitting there has been an increase in the registrations, he said they still remain low in spite of various promotion activities.
“Perhaps the public believes saving RM11 per household is too little, or they want to give those more deserving a chance.
“Nonetheless it does not matter, we must continue our efforts to encourage registrations and publicise SADE,” Izham said.
Previously, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said an additional 100,000 user accounts will be able to enjoy free water, at a cost of over RM30 million which is fully borne by the state government.
The minimum household income threshold was raised from RM4,000 to RM5,000 earlier on.
SADE registrations remain open to Selangor residents until December 31, 2024, and to qualify applicants must be Malaysian citizens, reside in individual-meter premises, and one application for one account.
