Thursday, March 21, 2013

BR1M Annual Aid Signifies Government's Social Commitment

The government's decision to turn the 1Malaysia People's Assistance (BR1M) into an annual initiative reflects its commitment to continuously provide a social safety net to the lower income group.

Cluster head of History, Heritage and Socio-Cultural of National Professors' Council Prof Datuk Dr Zainal Kling Prof Datuk Dr Zainal Kling said the RM500 aid was a lifeline to households earning below RM3,000 a month.

"The initiative is in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's commitment and pledge to prioritise the people," he said when contacted Wednesday.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Small and Medium Enterprise Skills Development for Sustainable Entrepreneurial Development director Prof Dr Mohd Fauzi Jani said initiative was a step in the right direction in the face of rising cost of living.

"But the distribution must be monitored to ensure that only those who are eligible receive the aid. The relevant authorities must also prevent fraud by ensuring that recipients' personal particulars are updated from time to time," he said.

Titiwangsa Single Mothers Association president Rohani Md Yunus, 59, said the decision lived up to the government's pledge 'Janji Ditepati' (promises fulfilled).

"The people are now more assured of the government's sincerity to help ease their burden and sensitivity to their needs," said the mother of four.

Civil servant Mohammad Aminudden Supree, 34, expressed his gratitude to the government for making the aid a yearly affair.

"I have been the sole breadwinner in the family ever since my wife had one of her legs amputated due to diabetes," he added.

Pandan MCA division youth chief Chong Sin Woon hoped the BR1M annual commitment would be extended to students aid such as the book voucher and the RM100 school assistance.

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