TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The government's plan to issue “Quintuple Stimulus Vouchers” to boost consumption in the COVID-19 era will be expanded to include food delivery platforms, reports said Wednesday (Aug. 11).
A precise timeline for launching the vouchers has not been announced yet, and some politicians from both the opposition and ruling parties want the government to hand out cash instead. Each person is likely to receive NT$5,000 (US$180) worth of vouchers as opposed to the NT$3,000 in last year’s “Triple Stimulus Vouchers” project.
Initial plans to allow consumers to spend the vouchers only at stores and market stalls but not for online purchases, fines, or taxes have been altered, CNA reported Wednesday. Because ordering food from online delivery platforms also helps small restaurants and food businesses, the government has changed its mind and included them in the voucher program, the report said.
During Taiwan's local COVID outbreak, ordering food via delivery platforms surged in popularity as people avoided crowds at restaurants and night markets were later kept home due to the ban on indoor dining from May to late July.
As in last year’s programs, residents will receive the vouchers by paying NT$1,000, though an estimated 1.09 million vulnerable people will first have NT$1,000 sent directly to their bank account.
The paper versions will be available at post offices and can be ordered at convenience stores, while digital versions can be linked to credit cards, Mass Rapid Transit EasyCards, and other digital payment options.
Water and electricity rates, fines, taxes, labor, and health insurance fees will remain outside the program’s scope, as was the case last year. However, how many online platforms will be includeed is still undecided, as is the launch date. Both issues will be discussed at a meeting between President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) on Wednesday.
