More BR1M handouts in Budget 2016

Putrajaya has raised its cash handout under the 1Malaysia People's Aid or BR1M from RM900 to RM1,000 for households earning RM3,000 and below. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, October 23, 2015.Putrajaya has increased its cash handout under the 1Malaysia People's Aid (or BR1M) from RM900 to RM1,000 for households earning RM3,000 and below.

Families with incomes between RM3,001 and RM4,000 would also receive an increased handout of RM800 from RM750 previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today when tabling Budget 2016 in the Dewan Rakyat.

The quantum for single individuals aged 21 and above with monthly income not exceeding RM2,000 has also been raised, from RM350 to RM400.

And a new category for BR1M recipients was also introduced, for those earning less than RM1,000 a month, who would now receive a pay out of RM1,050. These recipients have to be registered in the government's e-Kasih database.

“In aggregate, BR1M assistance is expected to benefit 4.7 million households and 2.7 million single individuals with an allocation of RM5.9 billion,” Najib said.

“I know that there are parties who feel that BR1M should not be continued. However, from feedback that I have received, BR1M recipients appreciate the government's concern for it has somewhat helped them to reduce the cost of living,” he added. – October 23, 2015.