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 Fellow in the Economics, Trade and Regional Integration division. His primary research interests include economic growth and development, labour markets, and the design of social assistance programmes. 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. In the past, Calvin has conducted research on a range of topics, including the impacts of the US-China trade conflict on the Asia-Pacific region and the design of cash transfer initiatives like Malaysia's BPR/BSH programme. His work has been published in international journals such as the National Bureau of Asian Research's (NBR) Asia Policy and the Japan Economic Foundation’s Spotlight. Additionally, his research has been featured in domestic and international news platforms like the East Asia Forum and Malaysiakini. Calvin has collaborated on projects with federal and state governments, multinational development organizations, and NGOs, focusing on issues such as the digitalisation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and infrastructure development in the Asia-Pacific region. He holds a Master's degree in Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Bachelor's degree in Econometrics from Monash University Clayton.
By: Calvin Cheng