Malaysians welcome the increase in the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M),
as they will be able to set aside some savings in this currently challenging economic climate.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians, especially those in urban areas, were expecting more financial aid under the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) initiative following the rising cost of living.
They said this in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s announcement of increased BR1M distributions during the tabling of the 2017 Budget yesterday.
Najib said the financial aid would be increased from RM1,050 and RM1,000 to RM1,200 for households in the e-Kasih database (for those with monthly income below RM3,000) and from RM800 to RM900 for households earning between RM3,000 and RM4,000.
BR1M for single individuals earning below RM2,000 will be increased from RM400 to RM450.
Mohd Aliff Redzuan, 26, said the move was timely as the public transportation cost had increased.
“Besides using the extra money for daily necessities, I can use it to cover my transportation cost, especially since LRT fares are not as cheap as they used to be.”
Public relations manager Melinda Marie Ambrose, 30, said the extra RM200 or RM300 would not make much of an impact on daily expenditure for those eligible for the financial assistance because of the increasing cost of living.
“What was expected was a reduction of toll rates and free nurseries so that mothers can join the workforce.
“A caring government should be more giving in terms of reducing the burden of the people.”
Broadcast executive Siti Sara Liew Abdullah, 32, said the increase in BR1M was not surprising as it was done every year since it was first introduced.
“It is good that the government is increasing financial aid for the people, but how much can it help?”
Application support executive Jasmine Jubilin also questioned the initiative’s effectiveness in helping the needy.
“I do not think BR1M is necessary and it is a waste of taxpayers’ money. It is a one-off thing and those who need it will still suffer after using the money,” she said.