The Average Malaysian and BR1M

The Average Malaysian and the BR1M Programme – survey

KUALA LUMPUR – Pursuant to the announcement on the disbursement of this year’s 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M), a survey amongst Malaysians was conducted to ascertain what Malaysians thought of it.

A national survey conducted by KAJIDATA Research revealed that 50.8% out of the 1,031 Malaysians surveyed claimed that they are BR1M recipients. The survey indicated that out of the 50.8% of the recipients, 30% have received it five times, 15.3% four times, 20% three times, 20.2% two times and 14.5% were first time recipients.

Majority supports and appreciates BR1M.

A total of 68.7% of the 1,031 Malaysians surveyed, support the government’s effort to provide subsidy to the Rakyat via the BR1M programme. This was indicated when 65.1% of the respondents expressed that the BR1M programme takes some of the burden off in dealing with the current costs of living.

When asked, 51.2% of the respondents said that the BR1M programme fulfilled it’s objective by reaching the intended target groups. However, 33.8% believed that BR1M did not serve it’s purpose.

When asked about the allegation that the BR1M programme was a form of bribery, only 16.5% of Malaysians agreed whilst 63.9% disagreed. This was exemplified when a majority of Malaysians (71.1%) stated that BR1M should continue. 56.8% voiced out that the allocation amount should be increased.

In terms on how the subsidy should be distributed, 61.9% stated that cash disbursement should be maintained. 19.6% prefers a subsidy/ discount card, 13.8% opted for basic necessities and only 4.8% wanted it in voucher/ coupon form.

KAJIDATA Advisor, Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Syed Arabi Idid summarised that Malaysians are generally happy and appreciative of the BR1M programme. BR1M at the very least has been able to assist the Rakyat in facing the increasing costs of living as 80% of the BR1M recipients spend it on basic necessities (31.8%), daily expenses (31.4%) and on personal or family items (13.2%). This was corroborated with 85.3% stating that the subsidy will be used up within the first month.

The opinion poll was carried out by KAJIDATA Research Sdn. Bhd. The poll was conducted for a week from 20 February 2017 to 27 February 2017 to gauge the Rakyat’s perception on the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) programme as well as determining other issues that are viewed as concerns by Malaysians.

A total of 1,031 Malaysian adults aged 21 and above comprising of 55.1% Malays, 23.5% Chinese, 7.5% Indians, 5.6% Bumiputra Sabah, 6.7% Bumiputra Sarawak, 0.9% Orang Asli and 0.8% Others were interviewed by telephone in the poll. Respondents were selected on the basis of random stratified sampling along ethnicity, gender, age and state according to the national demographics. The complete cross-tabulation report can be obtained by contacting KAJIDATA Research.