6 million BR1M applications processed - Husni

Six million of the 7.3 million applications for the government aid, Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M), have been processed by the Inland Revenue Board, said Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah.

He said out of the total number, 4.1 million had received the BR1M last year while the other 3.2 million were new applicants.

"Another 1.3 applications are still being processed," he added after attending a 1Malaysia Library Enlivening Programme at Kampung Tersusun, Batu 6, Tambun, here, today.

However, Ahmad Husni said, only applicants who registered on or before last Dec 31 would receive the payment this February while those who registered after that date, would receive theirs at a date to be fixed later.

"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will launch the payment on Feb 2 at a place we're identifying," he said.

Ahmad Husni said like last year, the BR1M payment would be made through vouchers.

"We will have mobile banks at the aid-presentation ceremonies. Last year, we had Bank Simpanan Nasional, Maybank and CIMB. This year, we will have one more participating bank, Public Bank."

He said the BR1M would not only benefit the recipients, but would also have a positive economic impact on the local community.

The BR1M payment this year involves an allocation of RM3 billion.

Last year, 4.1 million people benefited from the aid involving an allocation of RM2.1 billion.