From the total number of recipients, 4.8 million were those with a household income of less than RM3,000 and two million others were bachelors earning below RM2,000.
"The applications for BR1M were vetted through by the Inland Revenue Board together with data checks from the National Registration Department and Public Service Department among others to ascertain those eligible.
"The distribution of BR1M is also in line with the government's aim to move towards providing more targeted subsidies," he said.
In response to a question from Sibu member of parliament Oscar Ling as to why there was an increase in BR1M recipients this year when the country's poverty rate had reduced, Ahmad said this was because there was an additional allocation for singles.
"This has nothing to do with the number of hardcore poor Malaysians,” he said, adding that the new allocation figure for the BR1M intiative would be announced by the prime minister during the tabling of the 2014 Budget.
Ahmad also said the government would fulfil its promise of increasing the BR1M allocation from RM250 to RM600 for bachelors and RM500 to RM1200 for households, but would do it in stages within five years.
"The ministry is also mulling over several other proposals regarding the disbursement of BR1M for households, which includes dividing the amount equally between husband and wife," he added.
That money should have been used for public transport, especially in Sabah. Wider smooth roads, wider public transport coverage benefits everyone better and for lasts much longer than a one time RM500.
ReplyDeleteI am Semenanjing from West. I really love anjings. Woof!Woof!Woof!
ReplyDeleteI am really smitten by your blog since reading the Lahad Datu incursion on 9th Feb. or 1st day of CNY.
Most Sabahans I know are Sulus from Sabah now Malaysian citizens working in Semenanjing.
BR1M is good for a few days but in the LT equal opportunities, liberal business conditions, more opening of sectors restricted now based on skin colours and religions will go a long way for everyone.
A more open attitude and liberal not shallow minded way of thinkings based on feudal ethos will enhance the development of the country.
I did not know there is two systems 1 country in Malaysia like China & HKSAR exists in Malaysia.