KANGAR: The 2017 Budget must ensure that the poor in this country continues to receive aid through the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M), said Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man.
He said it was important that BR1M be extended to the poor but its payment method must be improved so that only the deserving enjoyed its benefits.
“In the 2017 Budget to be tabled in September, the government must figure out how to improve on the purchasing power of the people especially the poor to enable them to buy the basic necessities,” said Azlan when met after launching the state Jalur Gemilang Expedition (KJG) event at the State Legislative Assembly Complex, here today.
In Perlis, he said, there were still many people, especially Malays in the rural areas who hardly had enough food or money to live on.
“BR1M is good as the cash goes to the target group but it is marred by a few who cheat to receive the aid which is infuriating to the government. As such the payment mechanism should be reviewed,” he said.
He said a study conducted by 37 economists in the United Kingdom on effective ways to help the poor was to give cash to those who were most deserving.
He added that to prevent fraud the state government should list out eligible recipients and weed out the non-deserving.
On the expedition, Azlan said it was part of the state Merdeka month programme launched two days ago to instill loyalty, love of the country, patriotism and peace among the people.
He said the state government was targeting the young generation to create awareness to this group on the struggles in the fight for independence and to spur them to stay united in maintaining peace and harmony.
According to Perlis Information Department director, Ku Ismail Ku Yahya some 30 vehicles would take part in the expedition, stopping at eight selected schools to distribute the Jalur Gemilang. --BERNAMA