BKC recipients say aid brings much-needed relief

BERA: Rubber tapper Nor Ain Wazir describes the Special Covid-19 Aid (BKC) remitted into her account as a “windfall” for her family as she did not expect to have extra money this month.

Nor Ain, 25, who is an Orang Asli from the Semelai tribe, said the money provided relief as her income and that of her husband from rubber tapping were lacking.

“I want to use this money to buy food so that we can eat a delicious dinner today. I also want to buy a top-up card for my son because he is taking classes online.

“There are times when we run out of data because we have to give priority to food expenses.

“I thank the teachers who have helped buy the top-up card.

“Since I already have the money, it is better for me to purchase my own top-up card so that my son can study well,” she said.

The mother of four children, aged between one and 10, admitted that she did not know about BKC and had gone to Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) in Triang here, about 20km from her house in Kampung Bukit Gemuruh, to withdraw savings to purchase basic necessities.

Felda Mayam settler Bera C. Machap, 75, said he started queuing at the bank as early as 8.30am after learning that BKC would be remitted to the Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat aid recipients accounts yesterday.

“I want to spend some money on food while the rest will be saved for future use as the price of palm fruit is also unstable.

“I have to make sure I have cash for unexpected things like medical expenses because my wife and I are old and at risk of getting sick,” he said.

For mechanic Law Tek Yong, 69, the cash aid was very helpful to him as his monthly income has dwindled since the Covid-19 pandemic started while his monthly expenses have been increasing.

He said the priority was definitely to ensure that there was enough food at home and the welfare of his sickly mother under his care.

The BKC remittance process for Phase One began yesterday, benefiting 10 million recipients comprising the hardcore poor, B40, M40, senior citizens and eligible singles, and involving funds totalling RM3.1bil.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said he hoped the assistance would ease the burden of people affected by the pandemic. — Bernama