Over 8 Million Malaysian - Poor

BR1M financial aid will be distributed to seven million recipients nationwide, beginning today. In conjunction with the distribution commencement, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Othman Aziz has advised recipients to use their allotted funds prudently. 

"Even though the amount is small, I advise the recipients to save some of the BR1M money, and at the same time, to use it prudently," he told reporters after attending the Usahawan Amanah Ikhtiar programme and the official launch of Jerlun Usahawan Ikhtiar club in Padang Sera here today. 

"The distribution of BR1M cash vouchers, starting today, is for those who do not own a bank account. "For recipients with bank accounts, the money will be credited directly into their accounts from Feb 22 onwards. So, for those who are eligible, but do not receive BR1M, they may contact the Inland Revenue Board office for clarification," said Othman, who stressed that BR1M is not a form of corruption and labelling the beneficiaries “beggars” is uncalled for. 

"BR1M is a form of direct financial assistance from the government to the population to help reduce their burden. It is just like any other assistance, such as subsidies for fishermen, early schooling aid and assistance to Felda settlers.

On one hand, Najib is saying that the economy is doing well and at the same time, he admitted that 5.15 million households needed BR1M with 8.27 million applications - 8.27 million of 30 million population means 27.5% of the Malaysian population are poor and needed help.That's not only a staggering number but it also shows the high level of poverty in Malaysia.