Six of 10 MPs interviewed said they would consider buying the newly introduced 'U Stretch' vouchers as another way of helping residents cope with rising prices. The other four MPs contacted by The Straits Times said they will, for now, rely on existing means of assistance.

Each voucher gives a 5 per cent discount for every $10 spent at six NTUC cooperatives, including FairPrice supermarkets, childcare centres and pharmacies.

Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Josephine Teo will get vouchers for those 'who are not so down-and-out that they can't afford anything but who can afford fewer things with what they have today'.

Although the vouchers are targeted at union members, labour chief Lim Swee Say said last Thursday that community leaders may use money from the ComCare fund to buy the vouchers for their residents.

The National Trades Union Congress chief announced that vouchers will be given to about 80,000 lower-income union members for use from May1 to Dec 31.

Union members can apply for the vouchers - which come in booklets with $50 worth of discounts - via their unions or online from today.

Marine Parade GRC MP Ong Seh Hong sees the vouchers as something families can usewith FairPrice shopping vouchers that many MPs already give needy residents.

With inflation forecasted to average between 5 and 5.5 per cent this year, MPs say the vouchers will help needy families stretch their dollar.

Aljunied GRC MP Cynthia Phua said that as 'U Stretch' vouchers require residents to first spend a specified amount, they could be given to those with jobs but who earn low wages.

But other MPs said they will wait until they have used up their stock of shopping vouchers given by FairPrice last year before buying 'U Stretch' vouchers.

For Sembawang GRC MP Lim Wee Kiak, it is a question of being prudent with ComCare funds. He still has $3,000 worth of FairPrice shopping vouchers, rice and cooking oil to hand out to needy residents.

Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Lee Bee Wah, who gives out food in kind, said donors recently gave 400 sacks of rice for distribution to residents.

Jalan Besar GRC MP Denise Phua started her own food voucher scheme in her Kampong Glam ward in January.

About 200 families receive vouchers worth $20 to $40 each month to spend on meals or provisions at markets, food centres and shops in the ward. This approach helps both families and merchantsin the ward, she explained.

Labour MP Zainudin Nordin, who coordinates the 'U Stretch' voucher scheme, said if the vouchers are popular, they may go on sale to the public within a year.

So, just like shopping vouchers, someone could buy a booklet of 'U Stretch' vouchers for a neighbour or someone in need.