THE third phase of Rahmah cash aid, amounting to more than RM2 billion, will begin to be disbursed a day before Hari Raya Haji.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said more than eight million recipients will receive between RM100 and RM1,300 each.

“This is to ease the financial burden of the people,” Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said in a statement today.

Beneficiaries with bank accounts will receive payments on June 26 to July 5 while those without bank accounts will receive payment starting June 26 at Bank Simpanan Nasional branches.

Phase two of the cash aid was paid out to 8.7 million people in April. It amounted to RM1.26 billion.

Anwar said the government had carried out various measures to curb leakages of public funds, such as by stopping direct negotiations for projects, restructuring targeted subsidies, enhancing enforcement actions against exploitation of subsidised items and putting a stop to monopolies.

“(These) will be followed by the tabling of the Fiscal Responsibility Act and Government Procurement Act.” Anwar said in parliament last week. – June 22, 2023.