Thousands earning more than RM10K applying for BR1M, says minister

Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani

KUALA LUMPUR: Thousands of individuals earning more than RM10,000 monthly have applied for the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) scheme, says the Second Finance Minister.  

“We have had thousands of applicants whose earnings exceed RM10,000,” Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani told a press conference Thursday.  

At least 300,000 people who earn more than RM5,000 apply for BR1M yearly, and the Finance Ministry found that 260,000 applicants earn RM5,000 monthly. 

“About 40,000 applicants earn between RM6,000 and RM8,000 a month,” he said. 

Under BR1M 2017, RM1,200 is being given to 3,242,048 households earning RM3,000 and less a month, while RM900 is being given to 291,918 households earning between RM3,001 and RM4,000 a month, and RM450 is being given to 2,786,803 individuals earning below RM2,000 a month. 

Johari said his ministry and the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) and the Employers Provident Fund (EPF) will work together to ensure the money does not go to the wrong people. 

“We have come to realise that we channel a lot of money to non-targeted groups, and this in turn prevents us from giving the money to the targeted groups,” he added. 

Johari, however, said that BR1M aid goes through a vigorous process. 

“First the National Registration Department checks if they are Malaysian, then the EPF checks their payslips; and this would be followed by the (National Audit Department) verifying their earnings. 

“If the applicant is attached to the private sector or such, we will check with the IRB, while Retirement Fund Inc (KWAP) will look into pensioners,” he said. 

He, however, added that the ministry still trusted Malaysians to be honest on their earnings and said he hoped the money reached the right people.