The government is also working on being quicker to respond to applications for social assistance, as well as to look at being more flexible in helping 'sandwiched' families, he added.

Meanwhile, two initiatives to tide the poor over would be put in place.

One, childcare centre subsidies for low-income families would be enhanced.

Two, the Citizens Consultative Committees (CCCs) ComCare Fund for needy residents would be topped up where required.

A total of $6.25 million has been allotted to the fund for this financial year ending March 2009, but Dr Balakrishnan added: 'I'm looking at this with my staff to see whether we will need more in future.'

Already, two of the 84 constituencies - which get $52,000 each - have asked for top-ups: Chinatown and Boon Lay.

The announcements were met with applause by Boon Lay residents at a dialogue. For an hour, Dr Balakrishnan, flanked by Boon Lay MP Ho Geok Choo and Mayor for South West Community Development Council (CDC) Amy Khor, fielded eight questions - most of which centred on help for Singaporeans amid fears of wage cuts and job losses.

One resident asked for more flexibility in the criteria for those eligible for rental flats; another wanted speedier responses to his requests for help with utility bills; a third asked for aid for her family which falls into the 'sandwiched class'.

In replying to all of them, Dr Balakrishnan had the same message: 'No matter how tough things get, Singaporeans will continue to have roof over their heads, food on the tables, children will go to school, health care will be taken care of, training opportunities will be available for the adults.'

Read the full story in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.