The subsidy will be distributed over a two-month period to help sustain public purchasing power amid global economic headwinds and in anticipation of increased household spending during the school holiday season.

The Government has introduced clear income thresholds to identify low-income workers eligible for support under the National Target Programme on Sustainable Poverty Reduction for 2021-2025.

The Malaysian government will introduce a new programme to raise wages for low-income workers as the Southeast Asian country is grappling with rising living costs and growing inequality.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has requested promptly tackling obstacles in social housing development policies and mechanisms, with incentives in infrastructure, land and finance for developers engaged in the effort.

The interest rate for social housing loans will be lifted to 5% per annum from the current 4.8% per annum from the beginning of next year, following a decision by the State Bank of Vietnam.

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai said the city plans to build one million units of affordable housing for low-income workers.

Accommodation for low-income workers in industrial and economic zones (IZs and EZs) has become more scarce in the face of increasing demand.

Whenever a new year approaches, low-income workers start to fret about finding schools, tuition fees, and arranging to drop off and collect their children at school.

Vietnam’s major cities are gearing up to develop homes for workers, planning to construct small studios of some 25-50sq.m at the price of 150 million (6,500 USD) per unit.