The Johor government has set aside more than RM30 million for the Bakul Kasih Johor initiative, a state-level food aid programme aimed at supporting over 550,000 families affected by rising living costs.
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the initiative reflects the state administration’s continued commitment to easing the burden on vulnerable households amid global economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures.
In a broader socio-economic context, such targeted assistance programmes are increasingly seen as essential short-term interventions by state governments to cushion the impact of cost-of-living increases on lower-income communities.
He said eligible recipients under the programme will receive basic food supplies including rice, wheat flour, canned sardines, sugar and other essential household items.
Onn Hafiz said the RM30 million allocation demonstrates the government’s determination to ensure that assistance reaches those most affected by financial hardship across Johor.
The assistance was announced via a Facebook post, where he noted that more than 550,000 families statewide are expected to benefit from the programme.
He added that while the aid may be modest, it is intended to help reduce daily household expenses and provide some relief to families struggling with essential needs.
The Menteri Besar personally presented the assistance during visits to Tangkak and Muar, where he engaged with recipients and assessed the challenges faced by local communities on the ground.
He described the Bakul Kasih Johor programme as part of the state’s broader welfare agenda aimed at ensuring no eligible household is left behind in times of economic difficulty.
The state government continues to prioritise targeted support measures to help mitigate the impact of inflation and strengthen social protection for vulnerable groups.
