Business · Malaysia Bureau
MP urges phased COSS abolition, reallocation to welfare schemes
A Pakatan Harapan lawmaker has called for the gradual discontinuation of the Cost of Living Assistance (COSS) programme, proposing that freed-up funds be channelled toward social welfare and targeted assistance schemes instead.
LSN Malaysia ·
Tan Kar Hing, the Member of Parliament for Gopeng, has proposed a phased approach to winding down the COSS programme as part of efforts to deploy public funds more effectively amid the government's fiscal constraints. The proposal reflects growing scrutiny over how Malaysia allocates its limited budgetary resources during an economically challenging period. Tan's suggestion focuses on redirecting the savings from COSS termination toward SARA (social welfare assistance), suggesting that targeted welfare programmes may offer more efficient outcomes than the blanket assistance approach. The government has faced mounting pressure to demonstrate fiscal discipline while ensuring vulnerable populations receive adequate support. By transitioning from the current COSS framework to more narrowly-focused welfare initiatives, policymakers could potentially optimise resource allocation to benefit those most in need, according to the proposal.