Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH), the national cash transfer program formerly known as BR1M, has undergone many changes since its introduction in 2012. In 2018, it was changed yet again, with a new benefit structure that took into account variations in household size. Its proponents argue that cash transfer programs have beneficial impacts on low-income household–while detractors argue that cash assistance discourages work, and that households should instead be self-reliant. But just how effective are cash transfer programs like BSH compared to other types of assistance? How can BSH be further improved? What is the role of BSH in the future of social welfare in Malaysia?
Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH)
Expert
Calvin Cheng
Calvin is a Senior Analyst in the Economics, Trade and Regional Integration division. His primary research interests include economic growth and development, international trade, and social assistance. Some of his recent work has focused on the unequal labour market impacts of the Covid-19 crisis in Malaysia as well as on regional economic responses to the pandemic. His past research covered topics such as the impacts of the US-China trade conflict on the region and the design of cash transfer programmes like Malaysia’s BPR/BSH.
He has published work in international publications like the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) Asia Policy journal, and Japan Economic Foundation’s Spotlight journal, as well as in domestic and international news platforms like the East Asia Forum and Malaysiakini. He has worked on projects with federal and state governments, multinational development organisations, and NGOs on issues including the digitalisation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and infrastructure development in the Asia Pacific. He holds a degree in Economics and Econometrics from Monash University. Prior to joining ISIS Malaysia, Calvin was a macroeconomic analyst at a local investment firm.
By: Calvin Cheng
