RM3b allocation for BR1M 2.0

The government has allocated RM3 billion for the second Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M 2.0) cash aid scheme, said Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai.

Speaking to reporters today, Lim said the payment will be disbursed from Jan 15 to March 15, 2013.

Registration for BR1M 2.0 commenced on Nov 1, and will end on Dec 31, 2012.

"We hope anyone who did not register for the first BR1M will apply this time around," he said on the sidelines of a two-day sales seminar by renowned sales and marketing guru Bob Urichuck today.

The seminar was organised by Job Hunt Group of Companies and attracted more than 300 participants.

Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced BRIM 2.0 when tabling the 2013 Budget in Parliament on Sept 28.

Malaysians with a household income of less than RM3,000 a month are eligible for the one-off RM500 cash aid.

On the US Presidential election, Lim said Malaysia is happy with its present relationship with the US.

"America is an important country. As far as Malaysia and America are concerned, America is our third largest trading nation, accounting for 10 per cent of our total trade," he said.