‘Anak Emas’ Programme Draws Strong Response, Records Over RM700,000 In Savings

BUTTERWORTH, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The Anak Emas (Golden Child) programme, implemented through a strategic collaboration between the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) and the Penang government, has received an encouraging response, with 7,771 accounts opened or topped up with total savings amounting to RM777,100 between Jan 15 and Sept 30 this year.

State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said that during the same period, there were 29,678 births in Penang, indicating that nearly 26 per cent of families have started investing in their children’s education.

She said more impressively, as of August, the total deposits under the National Education Savings Scheme (Simpan SSPN) in Penang had reached RM2.63 billion, with over 370,000 accounts opened.

“This is clear proof that Penangites are becoming more financially literate and understand the importance of saving for their children’s education,” she said at the handing over ceremony of Simpan SSPN Prime accounts and baby care items in conjunction with the Anak Emas programme at Seberang Jaya Hospital (HSJ), here today.

Also present were PTPTN chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim, PTPTN chief executive Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid, Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng and HSJ director Dr S. Shameni.

Lim said the Anak Emas programme was introduced by the state government in June 2011, offering a one-off assistance of RM200 to babies aged two years and below.

The programme was later enhanced through collaboration with PTPTN beginning Sept 15, 2024, with RM100 provided for opening or adding a deposit to a Simpan SSPN Prime account, while another RM100 is credited to the eligible applicant’s bank account.

To be eligible for the Anak Emas programme, the child must be a Malaysian citizen, registration must be completed before the child turns two, and either parent must be a registered voter in Penang with the Election Commission (EC).

“The strategic collaboration between the state government and PTPTN to strengthen the Anak Emas Programme is a smart and forward-looking move. It not only helps ease the financial burden of parents but also educates the public on the importance of financial planning and cultivating a consistent saving habit,” she said.

Earlier, PTPTN contributed RM10,000 to 50 newborns in October, involving the opening or additional deposit to Simpan SSPN Prime accounts worth RM100 each, along with baby hampers worth RM100 for each recipient.

Meanwhile, Norliza said Simpan SSPN is PTPTN’s savings product that offers various benefits, including income tax relief on savings of up to RM8,000 a year, takaful protection for depositors, a free matching grant of up to RM10,000 per eligible family and competitive dividend rates. The savings are also government-guaranteed and Shariah-compliant.

She said that since its introduction in 2004 up to Aug 30 this year, Simpan SSPN deposits have reached a total of RM22.31 billion, with 7.09 million accounts opened nationwide, adding that those interested in learning more or applying for the Anak Emas programme can visit isejahtera.penang.gov.my.

-- BERNAMA