The Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation has begun the third payments of its 13th round of cash transfer programme to more than 700,000 impoverished and vulnerable households. The programme began during the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to a June 24 announcement by the ministry, since the implementation of this programme on June 25, 2020, the state has spent more than 4,352 billion riel, or just over $1 billion.

The current payments will be available for 30 days, from June 25 July 24.

“The Ministry of Planning has announced that it will honour expired ID Poor Cards in the capital and eight provinces: Kampong Cham, Tbong Khmum, Kampong Thom, Kratie, Stung Treng, Siem Reap, Banteay Meanchey and Oddar Meanchey,” said the social affairs ministry.

Yang Kim Eng, president of the People’s Centre for Development and Peace, said the cash transfer programme has made a significant contribution to improving people’s livelihoods, and should continue to be implemented as the effects of Covid-19 are still being felt in the Kingdom.

He explained that some people are still unable to resolve their challenges, and are completely dependent on the state for assistance.

“Continuing the programme will ease their financial burdens. If the government halts the payments now, they will still suffer from economic problems. Many businesses are still struggling,” he explained.

He noted that some employers have suspended their operations and some have permanently shuttered their facilities, so the payments remain essential to many workers.

The cash transfer programme was officially launched by Prime Minister Hun Sen on June 24, 2020, to provide assistance to poor and vulnerable families at the height of the pandemic.