BR1M 2 in the works

By MAZLINDA MAHMOOD | news@nst.com.my

FOR THE PEOPLE: Proposal brought to cabinet

KUALA SELANGOR: THE Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) scheme is likely to be continued for a second round to
alleviate the people’s burden in light of the rising cost of living.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he made the proposal to the cabinet during its meeting on Wednesday and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was receptive to the idea.

“During the meeting, I told the prime minister that we should give BR1M one more time if there was enough money. The prime minister smiled when he heard my proposal.

“He (Najib) said it is possible if we manage to find enough resources. We have (enough) resources but sometimes our income is not collected (taxed).”

Muhyiddin said when the prime minister instructed the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) to boost collection, they managed to increase it by RM26 billion, without increasing taxes.

“This year, he has instructed IRB to increase collection by RM30 billion,” said Muhyiddin in his speech at Sekolah Kebangsaan Tambak Jawa’s centennial celebration, here, yesterday.

Najib had previously said that the government would consider introducing a second round of the one-off RM500 aid for the poor if it collects higher revenue this year.

When BR1M was first given out last December, some 4.2 million households, earning less than RM3,000 monthly, had received the cash aid.

Muhyiddin said despite the uncertain global economic situation, Malaysia could still afford to help its people through touch point aid like BR1M, and this was only possible if the leaders had the necessary knowledge, skills and wisdom.

"That is why, in deciding the country's direction, we need wise leaders who can lead the people towards the same goals for Malaysia to become a respected country in the global arena. These days, many countries are facing economic problems, but Malaysia has managed to navigate the global economic turmoil and emerge as a winner."

Muhyiddin urged the people to be more appreciative of the things they have taken for granted like fuel subsidy as this was not something that was enjoyed by all countries.

"Our fuel subsidy is RM2 billion a month and the people have become used to this. But if the other side gives RM100, they will tell the whole world. We give RM500 (through BR1M) and subsidies. People say this is our responsibility as a government, but not all countries are like us."

Yesterday, the government announced that the retail price of RON 97 petrol would cost 10 sen less at RM2.80 per litre in line with the dip in the global crude oil prices last month.

"This is part of Barisan Nasional's promises. When the oil price increases, we will control the petrol price; when it dips, we will reduce the price."

File pix by Effendy Rashid

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BR1M 2 in the works

FOR THE PEOPLE: Proposal brought to cabinet

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