KOTA KINABALU: 1Malaysia People’s Assistance (BR1M) recipients who did not receive the right amount in accordance with their respective categories are advised to check their particulars with the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).
Giving the advice yesterday, Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad said individuals involved may need to update their application details before they could be given the remaining aid still owed to them.
“It is possible that the applicants may have given the wrong information when filling their application or the officers keying in the data may have made a mistake,” she said during the presentatin of BR1M vouchers at the Menggatal Community Hall yesterday.
Some recipients in the constituency complained that they received less than what they should be getting.
On Tuesday, a commotion erupted during a BR1M voucher presentation in Tanjung Aru after a group of people started making noises and scolding the officers distributing the vouchers, claiming the amount given was less than the amount promised.
Some were also complaining that their names were not on the list despite being eligible and had received the aid last year.
Jainab who is also the Karambunai elected representative, told those who had yet to receive their BR1M not to panic, noting that distribution period for the assistance had been extended and every eligible applicant would get their share.
“I hope everyone will remain calm and patient and understand the procedures involved. This is just the first phase and it will continue until Sunday.
“We need everyone’s cooperation and I urge those who have questions regard their BR1M to check either online or go personally to any IRB branches in their area.
“It would be a shame if our noble intention of providing the assistance is tainted with chaos and dissatisfaction among the people,” she said.
Over 11,000 people from Karambunai, covering Inanam, Manggatal and Sepanggar received their BR1M voucher yesterday.
She advised recipients to have a clear understanding, particularly on the amount of assistance they were eligible to receive.
She noted that RM650 would be given to married couple with household income of RM3,000 and below while single individuals aged 21 and above and with income of not more than RM2,000 would get RM300.
Couples earning between RM3,000 and RM4,000 are only eligible for RM450 aid, she explained.
Under the scheme, senior citizens who live alone with no one supporting them are entitled to RM650, she added.
Meanwhile, Jainab said her ministry would continue to monitor the prices of daily goods to ensure irresponsible traders were not taking advantage of customers.
“We have discussed about the matter and asked traders to display the prices for every item they are selling.
“This is to make it easier for consumers to make price comparison and it will be easier for them to notice any price hike.
“We ourselves will continue to conduct inspection and ensure stern action is taken against errant traders,” she said.