Myanmar Offers Struggling Families COVID-19 Cash
Myanmar’s government says it will provide a fourth round of cash handouts for those struggling because of COVID-19.
However, only the Yangon regional government has announced the cash plan and The Irrawaddy could not confirm if it would be replicated elsewhere.
“This time the government will provide 40,000 kyats per household [US$31]. We don’t know on which day the payments will be made but I guess it will be after the election,” said U Than Swe, a Yangon regional lawmaker representing Seikgyikanaungto.
Since COVID-19 hit Myanmar in March, the government has provided cash assistance for low-income families with village and ward administrators and lawmakers making lists of low-income families and distributing assistance.
The government also distributed rice, cooking oil, salt, beans and onions to nearly 4 million households who lacked a regular income during the 10-day New Year holiday in April at a reported cost of around 50 billion kyats ($36 million). The food packages were worth 15,000 to 18,000 kyats ($11-13), depending on prices across the country.
AUNG THIHA
