KUCHING: Women over the age of 45, with a monthly income of below RM5,000, are eligible for a RM50 subsidy when they go for a mammogram. 

The subsidy was announced by the Finance Ministry in Budget 2008 tabled in September, said Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen. 

“Many women don’t go for mammograms because it’s expensive and because they think breast cancer won’t happen to them. 

“But breast cancer can occur to anybody and if you detect it early, you have a higher chance of a cure,” she told reporters after visiting the state Inland Revenue Board headquarters here Friday.  

She urged women to make use of the subsidy, which is being implemented by the National Population and Family Development Board under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry. 

“I also hope NGOs will coordinate with the board on further information about the subsidy,” she added. 

Dr Ng also said there was also a provision in Budget 2008 to abolish the stamp duty on the transfer of property between spouses. 

“This is because the government believes that any transfer of property between husband and wife is done out of affection. 

“The government does not want to put a price or value on this act of love and appreciation between spouses,” she said, adding that couples should make use of this policy aimed at promoting family values.