During my 2024 and 2025 budget debate speeches, I highlighted that while the CDC voucher scheme has provided some support for Singaporeans amidst the high cost of living, the support rendered is broad-based, with a low-income household receiving the same payout as that of a millionaire CEO. Moreover, users may face difficulties when redeeming their CDC vouchers due to its fixed denomination, and expiry date.
In lieu of the CDC voucher scheme, the Government could leverage the preexisting CHAS, Merdeka, and Pioneer Generation scheme to provide discounts for cardholders at merchants, hawkers, and supermarkets that currently accept CDC vouchers. The list of participating merchants could also be expanded to include food courts within privately-owned commercial properties and pharmacies located in HDB estates.
The rebate provided could vary based on the colour of one’s CHAS card, with blue CHAS cardholders receiving the largest discount quantum, along with Merdeka and Pioneer Generation cardholders.
Such a programme is not new. Discounts for CHAS, Merdeka, and Pioneer Generation cardholders have been offered by establishments such as Fairprice, Unity, and stallholders within certain hawker centres. Under the new scheme, however, these rebates would be borne by the Government instead, in a more equitable manner.
Through this scheme, greater support would be rendered to low-to-middle income residents compared to high-net-worth individuals. Furthermore, Governmental support could also be easily accessed by those experiencing difficulties obtaining their CDC vouchers via the appeal process.
By expanding the CHAS, Merdeka, and Pioneer Generation programme to provide discounts for daily necessities, the cost-of-living pressures faced by Singaporeans could be eased equitably, elegantly, and efficiently.
