Clarification by Minister of State for Health
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This clarification concerns a factual correction made by Minister of State Rahayu Mahzam regarding application statistics for the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF). Minister of State Rahayu Mahzam clarified that over 16,000 seniors per year have applied for the fund since 2019, correcting her earlier statement regarding the total number of applicants. She highlighted that 99% of applicants are eligible for subsidies, demonstrating the fund's broad reach in providing financial support for assistive devices. For the small minority who do not meet the standard eligibility requirements, she advised that they can seek additional support from the Agency for Integrated Care. This statement ensures an accurate parliamentary record of the government's efforts to assist seniors with their mobility and care needs.
Transcript
The following statement was made by Minister of State for Health (Ms Rahayu Mahzam) during the reply for Question No 17 at the Sitting of 16 October 2024:
The Minister of State for Health (Ms Rahayu Mahzam): I note the concern that the Member raised on the limitations of the SMF. I would say though that there are over 16,000 seniors since 2019, I believe, who have already applied for this fund, and most of them will actually get subsidies; 99% of them are eligible and actually would get the subsidies. So, for those of them who cannot meet the eligibility requirement, they can go to AIC for any additional support. [Please refer to "Allowing Seniors to Purchase Hearing Aids with MediSave", Official Report, 16 October 2024, Vol 95, Issue 144, Oral Answers to Questions section.]
Written statement by Ms Rahayu Mahzam circulated with leave of the Speaker in accordance with Standing Order No 29(5):
I wish to make the following factual correction to the reply given for Question No 17 at the Sitting of 16 October 2024. My reply should be read as follows:
The Minister of State for Health (Ms Rahayu Mahzam): I note the concern that the Member raised on the limitations of the SMF. I would say though that there are over 16,000 seniors per year since 2019, I believe, who have already applied for this fund for assistive devices, and most of them will actually get subsidies; 99% of them are eligible and actually would get the subsidies. So, for those of them who cannot meet the eligibility requirement, they can go to AIC for any additional support.