SHAH ALAM, February 7 – The Si Manja Tawas (Tabung Warisan Anak Selangor- Selangor Children Heritage Fund) membership card was launched today in a ceremony attended by 200 families from all over Selangor.

Tawas, one of the programmes introduced by the state government in the Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor (MES) agenda, began giving investments of RM100 for each child born in Selangor since 2008.

For each successful registration, participants receive RM1,500 each from the investment once they reach the age of 18.

The ceremony also included the giving out of Tawas AmBank saving certificates.

The ceremony, held at the official residence of the Dato’ Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim at Bukit Megawati here, was also attended by Dato’ Azlan Hashim who represented the Chairman of AmBank Group Berhad.

Also in attendance were the Dato’ Menteri Besar’s wife, Puan Sri Salbiah Tunut and Chairperson for Permanent Committee on Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology and Innovation,  Rodziah Ismail.

Abdul Khalid in his speech said Tawas was an initial contribution by the state government to the children of Selangor.

“It shows the state government’s commitment and seriousness in distributing riches for all to enjoy.

“The giving of investment saving certificates and Si Manja Tawas membership cards today fulfills one more promise the state government had made to the people of Selangor,” he said.

He said the state government was drawing up the second phase of its MES agenda which not only included follow up programmes from the first phase but also involved new programmes with specific target groups.

“Among the target groups which will be given priority include young businessmen, youth and the disabled,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abdul Khalid when met by reporters said the state government could distribute profits from the Tawas investment after five years.

“Perhaps after five years (when) we think we have made some profit we can distribute it as a bonus to them in the form of welfare,” he said.

He felt the collaboration between the state government and AmBank was good as it would benefit the people of Selangor.

So far, about 2,000 registrations had been received by the Tawas Operations Office which is located in the Bangunan Darul Ehsan, Shah Alam. – NOOR ALLIA KASSIM