‘Review distribution system for future BR1M’

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MIRI:  The authorities may need to review the system of distributing 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) if it is to be given out every year to make it more convenient for recipients.

The suggestion came from Assistant Minister of Communications Datuk Lee Kim Shin, who felt that with the number of recipients increasing, there was a need to set up a bigger and more spacious centre to distribute the money.

“This would be for the convenience of not only the recipients but the workers involved in the distribution as well to create  a conducive atmosphere,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

The Senadin assemblyman regretted that the Miri Civic Centre which was now being used as a distribution centre was a little too small and crammed, and he felt sorry for the recipients who had to squeeze their way and scramble with one another.

Thus, he proposed that the Miri Indoor Stadium be used for future BR1M distribution.

“That should make an appropriate avenue, vast and spacious” he opined.

Asked on the manpower needed for the current BR1M 2.0 distribution, Lee noted it was just enough, attributing it to be one of the contributing factors that slowed down the process.

As such, he also called on the relevant parties to consider increasing the number so that distribution could be done faster.

The assistant minister also suggested that the authorities look into other options such as banking the money directly into the recipients’ accounts.

Lee was asked for his comments following complaints from BR1M recipients that they had to queue up for long hours to get the cash vouchers.

Some who turned up as early as 8.30am had to wait until 3.30pm for their turn to get the vouchers.

To make matters worse, the roads were also badly congested as everybody rushed to the centre for the purpose.

Earlier, Lee distributed ‘ang pows’ to 220 children of the members of the Single Mothers Assistance Group, Miri at the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Senadin branch office.

Also present were his wife Datin Kong Shui Lin, who helped in giving out the ‘ang pows’, and the group’s chairman Connie
Tang.