New category under BR1M scheme to be introduced

KUALA LUMPUR: A new category under the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) scheme will be introduced this year for households with an income of between RM4,000 and RM5,000.

In making a surprise announcement during the launch of the Barisan Nasional manifesto yesterday, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said recipients under this category would get RM700.

“This payout will be disbursed in June and August,” said the Barisan chairman on the additional pledges which were met by a round of applause.

Najib also said for existing BR1M recipients earning RM3,000 and below, the payout would be increased from RM1,200 to RM2,000 this year.

“Those with a household income of between RM3,000 and RM4,000 will get an additional RM600 or a total of RM1,500,” he said of the pledges for the next five years to improve the cost of living for lower income groups.

In addition, the minimum wage will be increased in stages to at least RM1,500 within five years and a Fair Works Commis­sion will be set up to ensure a more equitable salary level for private sector workers.

To address urban poverty, more business centres for small enterprises and food trucks, as well as urban agriculture, will be set up.

Other pledges include increasing the current individual income tax exemption rate for parents’ medical expenses from RM5,000 to RM10,000, tax exemption on housing rental income and reducing the cost of employing foreign domestic workers.

The TN50 Public Transport Pass will provide unlimited monthly access to public transport for students, working youths, senior citizens and the disabled, while broadband subscription costs will be cut by 50%.

Rubber smallholders will stand to enjoy a higher monsoon season aid.

The manifesto also plans to minimise the involvement of middlemen in agriculture and fishery to reduce prices of basic food items.

But former Human Rights commissioner Muhammad Sha’ani Ab­­dul­­lah said the Government should look at adopting Bank Negara’s suggestion of a living wage instead of minimum wage.

Regular public transport commuter Wee Chong Wei, 26, lauded the TN50 public transportation pass, saying it would help to cut down his expenses.

Stephanie Fong, 25, said reducing broadband costs by 50% from the current rates will be a big help in easing her expenses.

A marketing executive, who wished to remain unidentified, said the Government’s proposal to raise the minimum wage in phases to at least RM1,500 within five years is a realistic aspiration, citing that he once earned only RM750 in a fast-food restaurant after losing his job.

“I remember having to settle for a salary as low as RM750 and juggle two jobs,” he said.