A minister has challenged Dr Mahathir Mohamad to lodge a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) against Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (BR1M) recipients for allegedly receiving bribes.

Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said such statements reveal that the former premier's claims are getting more and more ridiculous.

"If it was indeed a bribe, I hope Mahathir (will) lodge an official report with MACC that the BR1M recipients had received a bribe.

"So, when MACC launches an investigation, it will arrest all (who received bribes). In a graft case, it is wrong for the givers as well as the takers," he told reporters after visiting Tabika Kemas in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi.

Mahathir, who is also Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairperson, repeatedly claimed that BR1M was a form of corruption and against the law.

He accused Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak of using BR1M to gain support in the coming general election.

Elaborating, Ismail said Mahathir appeared to be desperate and had humiliated the recipients.

Defending BR1M, the minister said government considers the aid as a means to alleviate the people's financial burden.

Based on Mahathir's logic, the Umno supreme council member said Selangor's free water could also be categorised as corruption.

"The government gives free (education) in Kemas kindergartens, should this be seen as bribery too?" he asked.

"The aid given by the government cannot be seen as bribery. The Welfare Department is also (giving aid) to persons with disabilities and the elderly," he pointed out.

The minister also criticised Mahathir for claiming the pilgrimages of those sponsored by the 1MDB Foundation would not be divinely accepted, as 1MDB's funds were allegedly riddled with irregularities.

"Nobody has the right (to say this)," he said. "This is decided by Allah,” he added.