A TOTAL of RM696.3 million of Rahmah Cash Aid has been distributed to 799,782 recipients in Sabah so far, the state legislative assembly sitting was told today.

Chief Minister Hajiji Noor said under the third phase, which ran from June 26 to July 5, the cash aid was channelled directly to recipients bank accounts. For those who do not have a bank account, the money can be collected at Bank Simpanan Nasional branches until December 31.

“To ensure that the aid reaches its intended recipients, especially those in rural and remote areas, the government has scheduled a cash-out programme in the relevant districts from August 3 till mid-September,” he said.

He was responding to a question from Jannie Lasimbang (DAP-Kapayan), who wanted to know the total number of aid recipients in Sabah and the reasons behind rejected applications.

Hajiji said one of the reasons for rejections was the failure to meet eligibility requirements, such as having an income of more than RM5,000 per month for households and single senior citizens and over RM2,500 for single individuals.

“In addition, the failure of applicants was also due to not submitting documents showing the status of marriage or divorce, not passing the requirements of single individuals, or having a full-time student status,” he said.

Hajiji said the number of ‘Sumbangan Asas Rahmah’ recipients in Sabah was 35,461, with a financial allocation of RM21.27 million.

The aid, totalling RM600, was distributed to recipients who are listed as hardcore poor according to eKasih data.

He said for recipients in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, the aid will be credited to their bank accounts or given in cash at any Bank Simpanan Nasional branch nationwide starting August 7. – Bernama, August 8, 2023.