Today is the last day of school for all students of the 2024/2025 session in Group B ... except for the Form 5 students who are still wrestling with their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams in pursuit of their future.

It's the end of the annual learning session. Then, comes a one-month period for them to mentally and physically rest. Doing a multitude of activities that are both relaxing and beneficial during the holidays.. at least that's the hope!

Alas, it is different for the parents. Their minds are already one step ahead, planning the children's educational needs for the upcoming school session. Particularly where academic budget is concerned - covering fees, uniforms as well as stationery and school bus fare.

Not to mention, the big budget for the festive season that follows soon after.

As it goes without saying, any miscalculation or misstep can complicate a family's finances. Less might be given to the needs, and more to the wants. Always take heed.

Due to this ongoing issue, the Government through the Third MADANI Budget 2025 demonstrates its concern for the people's welfare. This is done by improving and implementing several direct measures to help the people who are presently facing the problem of rising cost of living, especially for people in the poor and hardcore poor groups. Simultaneously, these measures also strengthen the economy and the country's development.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when presenting the budget in the Dewan Rakyat last October 18th, announced the continuation of Early School Assistance (BAP) -- with almost RM800 million allocated to 5.2 million students from Year One to Form Five regardless of their parents' income. Yes, for the sake of everyone's benefit, no one was left behind.

As early as January 13th, the BAP initiative has already begun, which highlights the MADANI government's concern to help lessen the spending burden of parents and guardians, when preparing for their children's school materials.

The Ministry of Education announced that the BAP distribution of RM150 was handed over to every student from Year 1 to Form 4 in the 2024/2025 session. The same amount has been allocated to the second semester Form 6 students and Year 1 students of the 2025/2026 school session, starting from February 16th. As for new Form 6 students, distribution will begin on July 1st.

Interestingly, this is the first time the BAP initiative has been extended to Form 6 students and has benefited more than 100,000 students in order to guarantee access to education for all, with a financial implication of about RM15 million.

That's the story of BAP...

Next, it is the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) which saw an increase in aid for 2025.

Taking into consideration the impact of a higher cost of living on the people, SARA is one of the government's initiatives to ease the burden borne by the needy. It was distributed in stages from Wednesday, January 15th to 700,000 recipients in the poor and hardcore poor categories.

As announced by the Ministry of Finance, the rate of SARA assistance allows recipients who are registered with e-Kasih, to receive RM2,100 for 2025, compared to RM1,200 in 2024. SARA assistance of RM100 per month will be credited to the recipient's MyKad for January to March. From April onwards, the assistance rate will increase to RM200 per month.

It is widely known that SARA is a targeted approach to ensure that aid is used for basic necessities, including food. This initiative upholds the Madani Economy principle, whereby national income and subsidy savings are distributed to those who really need it.

And more good news! This year, this assistance, which is channelled through MyKad on a monthly basis, will also be extended to Sabah and Sarawak instead of only the states in the Peninsular.

In addition, 5.4 million STR recipients will also receive additional SARA assistance from this April.

That's a lot of allocation.

Certainly, as the people express their gratitude for receiving various government initiatives, the increase in the minimum wage and the adjustment of civil servants' wages also improve the people's well-being. This in turn, result in a greater spillover on the national economy, when compared with the risk of inflation.

The minimum wage increase from RM1,500 to RM1,700 will take effect this February.

With this in mind, economic analysts stressed that salary increases are basically aimed at offsetting the higher cost of living in recent years.

However, it needs to be accompanied by an increase in worker productivity. This means raising wages is not the only solution to the cost of living problem. On the other hand, financial education, skills, and smart financial planning also need to be emphasised so that the working class can take full advantage of the salary increase.

From an economic perspective, an increase in the minimum wage will also have a positive effect on domestic demand. When workers have higher incomes, they are more likely to spend, which in turn can stimulate the country's economy.

Regardless, all the improvements in cash assistance to the people as well as salary increases are clear proof that the MADANI government will always make sure that the underprivileged continue to be protected.

There is no need to look for the bad, but look for the good, then the results will always be positive.

As the saying goes, The Sky's the Limit for those who believe.

Editor's Pick was translated and prepared by Mas Elizawati Mohammad Ali, RTM English Radio News Editor.