THE first phase of payments of the Bantuan Prihatin Nasional (BPN) one-off cash assistance for 8.3 million beneficiaries will be undertaken in stages from April 6 onwards, said Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

In a statement issued today, he said the first phase encompassed payments of RM5.63 billion, of a total RM9.24 billion.

The assistance, aimed at low- and middle-income groups, is part of the government’s Prihatin Rakyat economic stimulus package to offset the financial impact of Covid-19.

The minister said beneficiaries should not share their personal information with strangers and should refer to official sources for guidance.

Applications for BPN assistance and appeals are to be made from April 1 to 30.

BPN recipients who do not possess bank accounts will receive their payments in person when the movement control order is lifted.

The minister also said BPN recipients in Sabah and Sarawak at the same time as people in Peninsular Malaysia.

Enquiries can be directed to the Finance Ministry on 03-8882-9089/9087/9191/4565/4566, from 9am to 5pm, from Sundays to Fridays or via email at [email protected], [email protected].

Enquiries to the Inland Revenue Board can be made on 1-800-882747 or 03-8911-1000. – Bernama, April 4, 2020.