Two million recipients of 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M 2014) who do not have bank accounts will get vouchers in phases starting Feb 23.

Second Finance Minister Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah said distribution of the vouchers would be done by leaders in the parliamentary constituencies.

"The distribution of vouchers to recipients without bank accounts will take time as it involves a large amount. However, the government wants to complete it within 20 days.

"People who are in dire need of help don't have to wait long to enjoy government aid in order to ease their cost of living," he told a press conference today.

Some 5.4 million BR1M recipients who have bank accounts will receive aid via their bank accounts on Feb 22.

Ahmad Husni said the aid will be credited into their accounts simultaneously nationwide as soon as BR1M was launched by Prime Minister Najib Razak at SM Aminuddin Baki in Kuala Lumpur.

"Paying BR1M using bank accounts is more efficient and ensure that the people don't have to wait long to enjoy the aid given."

BR1M 2014 will benefit some 4.63 million households and 2.4 million single individuals. The government has allocated RM4.6 billion which is expected to benefit 7.9 million recipients.

Ahmad Husni said BR1M 2014 is expected to lighten the people's burden, especially those living in urban areas so that more people enjoy the aid.

Nothing to do with Kajang by-election

Under BR1M, aid to households earning below RM3,000 will be increased from RM500 to RM650, while aid to single individuals above 21 years who earn below RM2,000 monthly will be increased from RM250 to RM300.

For the first time, BR1M 3.0 will be extended to households with monthly income of betwen RM3,000 to RM4,000 who will receive RM450.     

Asked whether the payment of BR1M is connected to the Kajang by-election, Ahmad Husni said it has nothing to with the by-election.

"The distribution of BR1M which has been implemented since 2012 has long been planned for February."

BR1M 2014 also provides 1Malaysia People's Takaful Insurance Group (i-BR1M) worth RM50 to household recipients with minimum protection of RM1,000 (natural death) and maximum of RM30,000 in the event of death due to accident or permanent disability.

- Bernama