BR1M is the best cash aid programme crafted to help the poor - Ongkili

BR1M or 1Malaysia People's Aid, is the most creative assistance package ever crafted to help families with low income in the country said Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.

"It is not some kind of chicken feed nor is it a form of bribe, as alleged by the opposition," said the Kota Marudu Member of Parliament when distributing BR1M vouchers to eligible recipients from the Tandek constituency at the Kota Marudu Community Hall, here Monday.

He said overall, 32,199 recipients were eligible for the cash aid in Kota Marudu, both for the Tandek and Matunggong constituencies.

Ongkili said even a rich nation like Saudi Arabia is in the midst of crafting a similar BR1M model for its citizens, which has proved to be effective in Malaysia, especially in reducing the burden of the people.

Under BR1M, families with a household income of RM3,000 and below are eligible to receive RM1,200; families with household income between RM3,000 and RM4,000 shall receive RM900 and a RM450 aid will be given to individuals who are over 21 years old.

"Some members of the opposition had likened it to bribe and chicken feed - this is an inhuman gesture against the poor," said Ongkili who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) acting president.

He explained that reducing subsidies on petrol and diesel had benefitted the people as money saved was now being directed to help the lower income group through the disbursement of BR1M.

Ongkili also advised recipients to utilise the cash well and urged them to open bank accounts so that the assistance can be banked directly into their accounts.

Earlier, Ongkili also presented similar aid and keys to 20 families of a 20-unit longhouse during a ceremony at the Matunggong Multipurpose Hall, near here. - BERNAMA