{
  "id": 15532900,
  "title": "M40 cost-of-living aid, online safety among key questions in Parliament",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/m40-cost-of-living-aid-online-safety-among-key-questions-in-parliament",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T01:19:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/128505/m40-cost-of-living-aid-online-safety-among-key-questions-in-parliament"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lawmakers in the Dewan Rakyat will question the government on plans to extend age restrictions for online gaming platforms, similar to those imposed on social media, as well as the distribution of funds to school and community programs. Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan (BN-Kuala Pilah) will inquire with the Finance Minister about the strategy to support middle-income households, known as M40, who are now ineligible for assistance despite experiencing increased living expenses. He plans to clarify if eligibility can be reevaluated based on the current household income and expenditures, given that the existing criteria may not accurately represent their financial status.\n\nDr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (PH-Bandar Kuching) will question the Communications Minister regarding the possibility of extending minimum-age restrictions on online gaming platforms to those widely used by children and teenagers. The issue of government spending and program accountability will also be discussed, with Datuk Dr Richard Rapu @ Aman anak Begri (GPS-Betong) requesting a detailed breakdown of the RM50 million allocated for school programs and RM200 million earmarked for Kampung Angkat MADANI. He seeks to understand the financial impact of these programs and to ascertain the exact number of beneficiaries under the People’s Housing Programme (PPR).\n\nHassan Saad (PN-Baling) will seek information from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister about the effectiveness of the Compliant Tourism Focus Zone (ZTPP) in reducing complaints about high prices. Additionally, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota) will request an update on the implementation of the National Women’s Policy 2025-2030. Following the question-and-answer session, the Dewan Rakyat will resume debating the Supply Bill 2027 at the policy stage, set to continue from October 12 to 22, followed by four days of ministerial winding-up speeches beginning on October 26.",
  "summary": "THE government’s response to middle-income households squeezed by rising living costs and whether online gaming platforms should face age restrictions similar to social media are among the key issues scheduled to be raised in the Dewan Rakyat today. ...",
  "key_points": [
    "Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan seeks M40 aid strategy clarification.",
    "Dr Kelvin Yii questions minimum age for online gaming.",
    "Hassan Saad inquires about ZTPP effectiveness."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Parliamentary inquiries into middle-income support and digital age restrictions signal a push for more inclusive social safety nets and stricter protections for minors in an evolving regulatory landscape.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}