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SINGAPORE: MPs have praised the Workfare Income Supplement scheme announced in this year's Budget.
But they stressed that it is important for the scheme to reach out to those who need them most.
There is also a need to monitor the criteria to qualify for Workfare, especially in times of prolonged downturn.
Speaking during the Budget debate, MPs praised the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme as pragmatic, innovative and exemplary.
The scheme also won accolades from opposition Workers' Party chief, Low Thia Khiang.
But MPs were also quick to point out some of the dangers of the scheme.
Dr Ahmad Magad, Chairman for Manpower GPC and MP for Pasir Ris GRC, said: "I am worried that should a national or global crisis occur such as a flu pandemic, another SARS outbreak or a severe economic downturn, the proxy that is currently used for WIS may not work. In such an event, jobs may disappear rapidly, causing more Singaporeans to be out of work and in need of real help, but yet unable to qualify for WIS, as they will not be able to contribute to their CPF or Medisave accounts.
"Another scenario could be that during a prolonged period of downturn, companies may take severe cost-cutting measures causing salaries to decrease. This may result in a significant number of older workers in the salary range below $1500."
There is also a small group of very poor people who are just unable to understand what is available and so, continue to be deprived of help.
Ho Geok Choo, MP for West Coast GRC, said: "This group falls out of reach of all good government intentions and facilities, such as Workfare. Do we shrug our shoulders and say 'well, if they won't accept public help, it is their right"? This is just the "cop-out" way and must be eschewed. When those rejecting help are so obviously in distress, a caring community can and should devise ways to accommodate this group."
Some MPs also felt that Workfare did not address difficulties faced by informal workers and the self-employed.
Nominated MP Siew Kum Hong said: "To qualify for the WIS, they have to contribute cash and this will be very difficult for them. To compound matters, they will only receive contributions to their Medisave accounts. It seems possible that many, if not most of those, in this group will not sign up for the WIS.
"Even though the amount of contribution required is low and even if they recognise the government is giving them a very good deal, I fear the prospect of giving up much-needed cash would deter them from signing up. Are we inadvertently sabotaging the scheme and hindering it from achieving its objectives."
So, the solution - give as much help as possible to those on the scheme to graduate out of it.
438,000 workers are expected to benefit from the scheme but MPs hope that when it comes up for review in three years, this number would have dropped, with more people graduating out of the scheme due to better skilled jobs and a higher pay.
Dr Amy Khor, Mayor for Southwest CDC and MP for Hong Kah GRC, said: "Workfare thus cannot be seen as a panacea for the problems of the low-income workers. At best it can only be an interim measure. The long-term solution must be to upgrade the skills of these workers and educate their young so that they can get better-paying jobs, get out and stay out of the poverty trap."
But one group of Singaporeans who would not be enjoying the benefits of Workfare are the spouses, who are home makers.
Several MPs hope the home makers will be rewarded too for their role in supporting the family. - CNA/ir
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