SPECIAL FUND FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES

Mr Gerard Ee asked the Minister for Community Development whether his Ministry will set up a Special Fund to provide financial assistance to families who have fallen on bad times, and whether such a Fund will be administered by CDCs.

Mr Abdullah Tarmugi: There is already a wide range of schemes and services administered by Ministries, the CDCs, voluntary welfare organisations and self-help groups to help disadvantaged families or individuals in times of distress. A list of these organisations and groups is available in MCD.

Families or individuals who face financial hardship because of the current economic downturn can approach MCD or the various organisations administering these schemes for assistance. MCD will ensure that there are sufficient funds for the various schemes and that genuine cases will receive financial assistance to help them to tide over this difficult period.

New funding schemes could be set up should there be a need.