BPR recipients need extra RM500 aid now, not in June, Najib tells govt

 

Those receiving Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat assistance will get an additional RM500 in June under the Pemerkasa stimulus package announced yesterday. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Najib Razak has urged the government to provide cash aid immediately to recipients of Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat (BPR).

Yesterday, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, in announcing the Pemerkasa economic stimulus programme, said those receiving assistance from BPR, earning RM1,000 and below, would receive an additional payment of RM500 from June.

In a Facebook post today, Najib said although he supported the idea of a RM500 one-off payment for BPR recipients, the aid was too little and should be provided immediately instead of three months later.

“Last year, the Perikatan Nasional government also promised to increase to RM1,000 the RM200-RM300 monthly assistance given by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) but this has not been implemented,” Najib said.

He said those with incomes below RM1,000, who desperately need help, will benefit more if the RM1,000 monthly assistance was provided immediately.

“BPR recipients will not be able to survive if they have to wait until June for their RM500 one-off payment.” - FMT