The federal government has spent about RM97 million on the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) in Penang involving 194,197 recipients in 13 parliamentary constituencies.

According to information obtained from the state’s Implementation and Coordination Unit, the BR1M aid distribution has entered phase four, with the Bukit Mertajam constituency recording the highest number of recipients at  23,547, followed by Bayan Baru with 17,775.

The Nibong Tebal constituency has 17,175 recipients, Balik Pulau (16,648), Jelutong (16,590), Bukit Gelugor (16,123), Kepala Batas (15,694), Batu Kawan (13,781), Permatang Pauh (12,955), Bagan (12,927), Tasek Gelugor (12,549), Bukit Bendera (10,785) and Tanjong (7,648).

NONE For phase one of the programme, 44,830 people in Penang were eligible to  receive the aid, meant for those with a household income of RM3,000 and below.  

There were 53,081 recipients under phase two, and 57,953 and 38,332 under phase three and phase four respectively.

Penang Umno information chief Dr Hilmi Yahaya said with such a big number of BR1M recipients in the state, the people there should be grateful to have a federal government that was sensitive to the problems and needs of the ordinary people.

“They should also realise that this aid is seasonal. Nevertheless, the Barisan Nasional government continues to strive to help the lower-income group. What it promises will be fulfilled,” he said when contacted today.

Hilmi, who is also Telok Bahang assemblyperson, said he was not sure whether the Penang government was really serious about tackling the poverty problem in the state instead of indulging in rhetoric.

- Bernama