KUCHING: The positive economic outlook next year with the economy expected to increase by five per cent, might lead to the continuation of the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) programme.
Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said his discussion with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak recently revealed the possibility of BR1M to be continued next year.
“The economy is expected to grow an additional five per cent and with the huge tax collection derived from economic activities, it is possible to do so,” said Abang Johari who was met by reporters at the presentation of BR1M for Petra Jaya constituency at the old State Legislative Assembly complex here yesterday.
On a related matter, Abang Johari, who is also Tourism Minister, said various assistance and subsidies provided by the Barisan Nasional government is a statement of the capabilities of the national leader to manage the economy well.
“Last year the government collected RM145 billion in taxes and this is where all the money comes from. We give them back to the people and this will definitely get people to spend, which will spur more economic growth,” said Johari.
Several BR1M recipients expressed their gratitude at the timing of the BR1M distribution. For government servant Donald Law Hieng Sui, 41, the distribution of BR1M this year is timely as it coincides with the Chinese New Year celebration this weekend.
“It will lessen the burden for those celebrating like us and we thank the government for providing such assistance,” said Donald.
He added that it is his wish that BR1M to be continued next year and urged the government to look at other measures to further assist the people.
For retiree Lam Kuek Chun, 58, the second BR1M is a statement of the government’s ability to manage the economy and lauded the effort to provide such assistance.
“It is a direct way to help those on the ground and for those who are not working anymore, this is something which comes at the right time especially with the Chinese New Year around the corner,” he added.
More than 3,000 recipients under the Petra Jaya constituency incuding several from outside the constituency received their BR1M vouchers yesterday.