BR1M initiative in accordance with teachings of Islam: Najib

PEKAN (Feb 23, 2014): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said the initiative by the government to introduce the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) is in accordance with the true teachings of Islam.
Quoting a phrase from the hadith, Najib said Islam encouraged Muslims to help the needy. Therefore, the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) was one of the initiatives introduced by the government to ease the burden of about 7 million people in the country, in line with the teachings of Islam, said Najib.
"Prophet Muhammad had told his followers that people whom Allah loved most were those who help others, including providing aid to the poor, easing their burden, helping them to settle their debts and giving food to the hungry.
"I know that some BR1M recipients will use the money to settle their debts, so by helping the poor to ease their burden, the government will get the blessing of God and this is in accordance with the teachings of Islam," he said after presenting BR1M 3.0 assistance to 1,000 recipients in his Pekan Parliamentary constituency at Dewan Seri Perdana Kolej Automotif Antarabangsa (ICAM), here, today.
The recipients were from Chini, Peramu Jaya, Bebar and Pulau Manis.
Najib said he was not concerned with the opposition's accusations and criticism because the assistance handed out by the government benefited the people, especially the poor.
The BR1M allowance to households with monthly income of RM3,000 and below has been increased from RM500 to RM700, including RM50 for contribution to the Group Takaful Rakyat 1Malaysia (i-BR1M) insurance which provides protection of up to RM30,000 in the event of death or permanent disability.
For single individuals aged 21 and above, and with a monthly income not exceeding RM2,000, the amount is increased from RM250 to RM300. In addition, BR1M has been extended to households with a monthly income of between RM3,000 and RM4,000 and they will receive RM450.
The prime minister had said that as a responsible government, it had to carry out fiscal consolidation to maintain the momentum of the country's economy and the people's well-being. – Bernama