Finance Minister Lawrence Wong reassured Singaporeans that the PAP Government will continue to do its utmost to help cushion the impact of cost of living, especially for lower- and middle-income families.
The leader of the 4G team was speaking at the Launch of the Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers at Tampines West Community Club on May 11, 2022. He was joined by Mayors Low Yen Ling, Denise Phua, Desmond Choo, Fahmi Aliman and Alex Yam.
“I want to assure Singaporeans that that Government will always be here for you; to help you to help cope with rising prices and inflation,” he said.
That’s why Singaporean households can now redeem another S$100 worth of CDC Vouchers. Together with the previous vouchers released last year, the vouchers can be used until Dec 31, 2022. You can claim your vouchers here.
Recognising that many countrymen are concerned about their daily expenses and the impact of rising prices due to the Ukraine War, Minister Wong decided to bring forward the launch of this year’s vouchers as a meaningful gesture of support for Singaporeans in this time of rising prices.
In addition, there will be two further tranches of CDC Vouchers worth S$200 each in 2023 and 2024. The current CDC vouchers can be used at 16,000 heartland shops and hawkers but the subsequent ones can be used at major supermarkets.
“We have to brace ourselves”
Minister Wong added that prices are rising all around the world and not just in Singapore.
“Even countries that are oil and gas exporters are facing higher prices, let alone a small and open economy like Singapore that imports almost everything we consume. So we do have to brace ourselves for higher prices for some time,” he said.
He then reiterated the Government’s continuous commitment to cushion the impact of cost of living for all Singaporeans, especially those who need the support more.
Besides the CDC Vouchers, the Government have given out S&CC and U-save rebates, with the first round disbursed last month. Another three rounds will be disbursed every quarter, in July and Oct this year and Jan 2023.
“For the whole of FY2022, to give an illustration, for those living in 4-room HDB flats, they will receive rebates worth about four months of their utility bills, basically four months is paid for by the Government, and two and a half months of their S&CC. There are additional help being rolled out for Singaporeans on top of the CDC Vouchers.”
In closing, he encouraged Singaporeans to keep faith with each other so that we can see through these uncertain times.
“But we have nothing to fear. The last two years have shown that we will always prevail and we will always overcome, no matter what challenges we face, so long as we continue to keep faith with each other, and stand side by side in solidarity with each another.”
Photos: Lawrence Wong Facebook page