Govt still able to pay BR1M this year - Ahmad Husni

The government is still capable of paying out the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) to the recipients this year, says Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah.

"Don't worry, I don't see any drastic inability of the government (to pay BR1M), none. This means we've maintained our revenue and we are expecting more.

"It will be better than this year's amount, and the request for expenditure will definitely be more," he told reporters after officiating at a programme of the General Operations Force North Brigade 1Malaysia Library in Hulu Kinta, near here, today.

He said the BR1M rate would also be raised for all categories of recipients next year, the announcement of which would be made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak when tabling the 2016 Budget in October.

"We are in the midst of preparing the budget, and we have several ideas. The first draft will be tabled to the cabinet in the next few weeks and will be announced by the prime minister next month.

"For now, we are looking at the lowest income group towards increasing their household income. Currently, there are three groups of recipients. So, we are thinking of adding more because we want to help," he said.

Ahmad Husni said the government would focus on priority expenditure, including BR1M.

"Our national income is not expected to go up high, but sufficient for the government to use it for administration and for development expenditure," he said, adding that the country's financial position currently was still strong.

"The only thing is countries across the world are facing a fall in value of their currencies.

"But as far as our government is concerned, it is being proactive in dealing with the situation. Whenever there is a downturn in anything, we will look back, review our financial position and do the necessary," he said.