KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 (Bernama) — The government has today launched the National People's Well-Being and Economic Recovery Package (PEMULIH) worth RM150 billion, comprising the government's direct fiscal injection of RM10 billion, aimed at providing comprehensive assistance to the people and focusing on three main focuses, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

According to him, the three focuses are Continuing the People's Welfare Agenda, Supporting Businesses and Increasing Vaccinations.

"Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit our country, the government has implemented seven assistance programs and stimulus packages with a total value of RM380 billion.

"So far, more than RM200 billion has been channeled and benefited more than 20 million people and 2.4 million businesses. Budget 2021 is worth RM322.5 billion and there is still RM100 billion to be spent until the end of this year," he said during the announcement of the PEMULIH package which was broadcast live on television today.

Muhyiddin said to focus on continuing the people's welfare agenda, the government announced that until the end of this year, it would channel direct cash assistance to the people amounting to RM10 billion. This direct cash assistance includes Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat or BPR.

During the recent PEMERKASA Plus announcement, the government agreed to provide additional BPR payment of up to RM500 in July and the payment will be made in stages starting tomorrow, June 29.

Meanwhile, the third phase of BPR with aid of RM100 to RM1,400 will be paid in September.

September will also involve payments of approved BPR appeal cases.

In total, the BPR value until the end of the year was RM4.9 billion.

Meanwhile, to ensure that the people receive assistance in the coming months until the end of 2021, he also announced the provision of Special COVID-19 Assistance or BKC with the following rates and categories:

Hardcore poor households will receive assistance of RM500 in August, RM500 in November and RM300 in December.

Single individuals in the hardcore poor category will receive assistance of RM200 in August and RM300 in November.

B40 households will receive assistance of RM500 in August and RM300 in December and single B40 individuals will receive assistance of RM200 in August.

M40 households will enjoy assistance of RM250, while M40 singles will receive RM100 in August.

"Overall, this BKC grant is expected to benefit more than 11 million households, senior citizens and singles with an allocation of RM4.6 billion," he said.

He said the government will also provide electricity discounts to domestic and non-domestic consumers where the government will bear an additional cost of RM1 billion.

To focus on supporting business, the government will channel several forms of assistance to ensure business continuity in these two phases.

Through this second focus, several approaches will be improved such as reducing employers' costs, supporting digitization efforts, providing financial assistance and tax incentives, providing financing facilities and continuing employment incentives.

"The implementation of the Prihatin Special Grant or GKP has successfully supported business survival among small traders, especially those who are still not allowed to operate.

"Overall, the government has allocated a total of RM5.1 billion through the GKP initiative. Recently, under PEMERKASA Plus, eligible recipients had already received their GKP 3.0 payment of RM1,000 about two weeks ago and will receive a further RM500 in mid-July," he said.

The government also understands the difficulties faced by micro, small and medium entrepreneurs at present and announces the provision of additional payments under GKP 4.0 to eligible recipients of RM500 to be paid in September and another RM500 in November 2021.

"The government hopes that with this GKP 4.0 payment, about one million micro, small and medium entrepreneurs, such as barber shop operators, workshop owners, bakery and cake shops, healthcare centers, etc can reduce their monthly liabilities and help their cash flow.

"What is important, for micro-entrepreneurs who have not yet received this assistance, registration will open in mid-July," he said.