Over seven million BR1M recipients across the country are advised to use the money prudently, says Deputy Finance Minister Othman Aziz.

"Even though the amount is small, I advise the recipients to save some of the BR1M money and at the same time, use them prudently," he told reporters after attending the Usahawan Amanah Ikhtiar programme and the official launch of Jerlun Usahawan Ikhtiar club in Padang Sera, Kubang Pasu today.

He said BR1M recipients across the country would begin to receive the financial aid today in the form of cash voucher.

"The distribution of BR1M cash vouchers, starting today, are for those who do not own a bank account.

"For the recipients with bank accounts, the money will be credited directly into their accounts from Feb 22 onward.

"So, for those who are eligible but do not receive BR1M, they may contact the Inland Revenue Board office for clarification," said Othman, who stressed that BR1M was not a form corruption and labelling the beneficiaries as beggars was uncalled for.

"BR1M is a form of direct financial assistance from the government to the population to help reduce their burden.

"It is just like any other assistance such as subsidies to fishermen, early schooling aid and assistance to the Felda settlers."

- Bernama