On 29 June 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong officially launched Project Sama Sama in Limbang ward, located within Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC.
The initiative provides S$20 in monthly credits for one year to eligible low-income households, enabling them to purchase essential household items from vending machines.
The project, aimed at helping less-privileged families cope with rising living costs, is expected to benefit around 350 households in Limbang. This marks the latest expansion of the initiative across Singapore.
Vending machines provide round-the-clock access to daily necessities
Three vending machines at Block 537 Choa Chu Kang Street 51 are stocked with daily essentials such as bread, beverages, hygiene products, and medical items.
These are available 24/7, offering convenience and immediate access to those in need.
With the addition of the Limbang ward, the number of households supported under Project Sama Sama rises to approximately 8,000.
The initiative is a collaboration between the North West Community Development Council (CDC), SPH Media, and technology company Auresys.
First introduced in July 2024 in the Zhenghua ward of Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, the programme has since expanded to include Woodgrove in Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, Canberra in Sembawang GRC, and Nee Soon South in Nee Soon GRC.
Describing the project as an example of community-driven support, PM Wong stated, “Project Sama Sama is a good example of how we can come together to strengthen community networks and provide more meaningful support to those who need it most.”
North West CDC outlines digital and collaborative approach
North West District Mayor Alex Yam, also an MP for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, highlighted the value of using digital tools.
“Using digital solutions and self-service vending machines allows for a more efficient way to support residents and provide them with access to necessities,” he said.
He added that there are plans to further expand the initiative across the North West district to reach more vulnerable families.
Contributions from key partners have allowed for the initiative’s scaling. Singapore Pools, bread manufacturer Gardenia, and the charitable Order of Malta were named as principal sponsors.
The CDC has invited more sponsors to come forward to sustain the programme.
Public raised concerns about the sufficiency of the aid
While some residents and netizens applauded the initiative as a meaningful gesture, many others raised concerns about the sufficiency of the aid.
Observing comments on The Straits Times and Mothership Facebook pages, users questioned whether S$20 a month would make a meaningful impact.
One user sarcastically remarked, “Toilet paper, toothpaste, bread etc—S$20 is better than nothing,” while another expressed concern that “Singaporeans has to depend on handouts while living in a first-world country.”
Others queried the cost-efficiency of maintaining vending machines and suggested that the credits could instead be used at existing merchants with broader product offerings.
One user noted, “Why not let the eligible person buy from existing merchants with more variety?”
Economist Yeoh Lam Keong: S$20 monthly aid for a year Is desultory compared to the real basic needs of the very poor
Notably, prominent economist Yeoh Lam Keong criticised the initiative as insufficient for those in absolute poverty.
Yeoh, former Chief Economist at GIC, stated that while the programme is well-meaning, “S$20 a month is desultory relative to their real basic needs.”
He estimated that the bottom 10% of working and elderly poor households require between S$800 and S$1,000 per month in cash support through reliable, means-tested programmes such as the Workfare Income Supplement or Silver Support Scheme.
“Post-Covid inflation, the Ukraine war, and GST hikes have exacerbated living costs,” he added, noting that one-off vouchers and relief schemes are no longer sufficient.
Yeoh concluded that an increase in such support is “eminently affordable”, costing less than half of the S$6.4 billion budget surplus recorded last year.
He urged policymakers to consider more permanent and effective measures to help the most vulnerable.
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