There is a problems in terms of the distribution of 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) to eligible Malaysians recently especially for those who do not have a bank accounts. As reported in the press, there is a scramble until some are fainted and some are frustrated because they could not receive BR1M on that day and there are many BR1M recipients who receive less than they should.
Some recipients upset, as the promise of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) during the last 13GE will be given RM1, 200 but now only given RM650 and some even received only RM450. The government should explain why there is some BR1M recipients do not get the amount as it should. Why is there a tax on the provision of BR1M?
While some of them are eligible to receive BR1M but caused no systematic way of distribution resulting in their names dropped or missing in the list of eligible recipients.
Some of them are complaining having to commute because their names were not on the list of recipients in the area. They were told to go to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) but when they got there, they were told to return to the district office because their names were not on the list of recipients
Most of them come from rural areas and the cost of spending for BR1M is not worth when it compared to the difficulty and cost of traveling to those who have to rent a vehicle to get to the city.
We suggest to the government and those concerned that the distribution of BR1M can be done more systematically and effectively by using methods like collecting data of recipients according to age and also alphabetically. For example, senior citizens aged 60 years and above are given priority, followed by single parents and subsequently those who are eligible in a line according to the group.
Open a separate counter between women and men so that they run smoothly during BR1M distribution. The above can be overcome by using a more streamlined system data and can avoid congestion and scramble during BR1M distribution.
For those who live in rural, distribution should be made in the longhouse or a community hall nearby to facilitate BR1M recipients who cannot afford to come to town.
We hope BR1M distribution went smoothly and fairly without regard to race, religion and political affiliation. BR1M is the result of taxpayer money so it necessarily only those who qualify who deserve it.
Cooperation with relevant parties to resolve this issue is greatly appreciated.
Yours faithfully,
Jofri Jaraiee
PAS Sarawak Deputy Commissioner III cum PAS Miri Chief
