IPOH, Feb 24 — At least 17,000 households throughout the country rejected the latest round of 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) payout.

Although they had received the assistance in the past, the households now felt they had no need for the assistance.

Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, in commending them for their honesty, said those who rejected the aid earned RM3,000 and above.

“Their gesture is a reflection of the maturity of Malaysians. It is not an easy decision, especially when the figure is high to say: ‘I am okay and I do not need financial aid’,” he said.

Ahmad, the Tambun MP, yesterday handed out BR1M funds to some 300 recipients. The constituency has a total of 42,562 recipients with funds amounting to more than RM24.4 million.

Ahmad also pointed out that there were isolated cases of those not eligible for the aid appearing on the recipient’s list.

“We scrutinise all forms and based on the information given, the applications are approved. Maybe there were cases that we might have overlooked.

“In this respect we hope those with information can come forward so necessary action can be taken.”

Some 100,000 recipients nationwide were expected to have the BR1M aid deposited into their bank accounts today.

The payout has increased from RM500 to RM650 per household with an income of less than RM3,000; while households with an income between RM3,000 and RM4,000 were given RM450 each.

For individuals who are 21 and earn RM2,000 or less, they would receive RM300. Recipients were also covered under the Group Takaful Rakyat 1Malaysia (I-BR1M) insurance. It provides a coverage of RM30,000 due to death or permanent disability.

A recipient, Suaran Singh, 85, from Bandar Baru Putra, hoped the government would consider a monthly payout for those 60-years-old and above. This is the second time he had collected the payment. “I will give a small treat for my three grandchildren,”

Another recipient Bhankaur Kaur, 78, from Klebang Jaya had to be wheeled to the school by her grandson as she was unable to walk. “I will use the money to buy vitamins and medicine,” she said.