Many hopeful of higher payment
KUALA LUMPUR: The centres opened for fresh application and personal information update for the second and third phase disbursement of the Cost of Living Aid (BSH) 2020 over the weekend witnessed good response from the public.
A brief survey by Bernama at the Jalan Duta’s Inland Revenue Board (IRB) office from 9am to 12 noon on Saturday saw more than 100 people being present to either register or update their personal information for BSH.
In general, those present at the centres expressed their satisfaction with the BSH initiative, but they were also hopeful that the Pakatan Harapan government would consider increasing the amount given under the various categories ― household, single and persons with disabilities (OKU).
The first phase involving a disbursement of RM1 billion commenced on Jan 20, involving 3.8 million registered beneficiaries in the household category.
A security guard who wanted to be known only as Hery, 41, said he hoped to see an increase in the one-off payment for the single category from RM300 to RM500.
“My monthly income is only around RM1,600 and I have a lot of commitments including paying my rent of RM600 every month. If BSH can be increased to RM500, it will surely help the low-income people like,” he said.
Housewife Supiah Surip, suggested that the IRB should look into higher payments for recipients with health problems to meet their medical needs.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago and had to do medical checkups every month and it still cost me a lot of money. If IRB can help people like me by giving higher BSH payments, it will really be helpful,” she said.
Meanwhile, Valliammah Sinnaiah expressed her disappointment after being left in the dark about her application for BSH in 2019.
“In 2019, I applied for BSH but after a long wait, I did not get any response. I am trying again this year and if I am still not eligible for it, it is only proper for IRB to let me know why my application was rejected. I am in desperate need of BSH since my husband died not so long ago and I have no fixed income,” said the single mother of two.
Bernama’s check at the Pudu’s Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) on Sunday found about 180 people present to submit their BSH forms.
The value of BSH grant is RM1,000 for married couples with a monthly household income of RM2,000 and below; RM750 for those earning RM2,001-RM3,000; RM500 for those earning RM3,001-RM4,000; and an additional RM120 per child (limited only to four children).
For single applicants with a monthly income of RM2,000 and below, the grant value is RM300 and is given on an one-off basis.
The payment is scheduled for three phases ― January, May and August 2020.
Eligible recipients in the vicinity of Kuala Lumpur can go to nearby IRB branches at Jalan Duta, Jalan Raja Chulan, Wangsa Maju and Cheras, as well as at UTC Pudu to register or update their personal information for the BSH assistance.
The centres are open Monday to Friday (9am to 5pm), and weekends on Feb 1 and 2 and March 14 and 15 (9am to 4.30pm).
For more information on BSH and its eligibility requirements, the public can call toll-free 1800-88-2747 and email to bsh@treasury.gov.my. – Bernama
