Najib's caretaker gov't doubles BR1M handout ahead of GE14

Caretaker prime minister Najib Abdul Razak tonight announced the remaining BR1M payments for the year will be doubled.

Najib, who is also BN chairperson, revealed this when he unveiled the ruling coalition’s manifesto at a packed Bukit Jalil Stadium.

The Umno president said this was made possible by the country's stronger finances.

"Due to the economy getting better and the country's finances becoming stronger – the GST collection has also increased... the BN government has decided to share this with the people," he said.

Najib stated that for households earning under RM3,000 a month, which had already received the first BR1M payment of RM400 in February, the two remaining payments in June and August would be doubled to RM800 each.

"This means the total amount of BR1M would increase from RM1,200 to RM2,000," he said.

As for households earning between RM3,000 to RM4,000 a month, the remaining BR1M payments for June and August will be doubled from RM300 to RM600 each.

This increases the initial handout of RM900 for 2018 to RM1,500.

As for youths with a monthly salary of under RM2,000, who already received RM150 in February, this would be topped up by RM450 in June, bringing the total to RM600.

Najib also announced a new category of BR1M recipients, namely households earning between RM4,000 to RM5,000, which previously did not qualify for the cash handout.

"This group will get RM700 in BR1M which will be paid out twice at RM350 each in June and August," he said.

Furthermore, Najib stated that the children of BR1M recipients who are registering for university entry will also receive a one-off RM1,500 cash payment.

The launch of the BN manifesto today coincides with the dissolution of Parliament.

The general election must be called within 60 days. - Mkini