Debated in Parliament on 1 Feb 2021.
Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Social and Family Development and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) what is the number of applications of asatizah for financial assistance under the Self-Employed Income Relief Scheme; (b) how many of these applications are successful; and (c) for those who are unsuccessful, whether they are able to apply for the COVID-19 Recovery Grant.
To date, 330 asatizah have applied for the Self-Employed Income Relief Scheme (SIRS). 77% of applications have been approved, while 10% are still in process.
The remaining 13% of applicants were rejected as they did not meet one or more of the SIRS criteria. However, they may apply for the COVID-19 Recovery Grant (CRG). Those who require assistance with their CRG applications can approach MUIS.
In addition to the SIRS and CRG, MUIS has also been providing other forms of financial support for asatizah whose livelihoods have been affected by COVID-19. This includes the $200,000 top-up to Pergas' Gracious Package, which provides financial assistance to asatizah who have been economically impacted by COVID-19. The Gracious Package supported 500 asatizah last year.
MUIS thanks the Asatizah community for stepping forward during the COVID-19 pandemic to care for, guide, and lift the spirits of our Muslim community. Our asatizah are an important pillar of our society, and MUIS will continue to work with them closely to support the spiritual needs of our Singaporean Muslims.
PAPERCUTS