Employees in Malaysia will receive a one-off RM500 from BKP exercise, starting 26 Oct

According to Prime Minister Ismail Sabri, BKP will stand to benefit nearly 870,000 individuals who have lost their income this year, and will cost up to a total of RM434mn. 

Employees in Malaysia who have had their income affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will receive a one-off RM500 cash payout, called Bantuan Kehilangan Pendapatan (BKP), starting today (26 October 2021), Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said. He shared that this financial assistance will stand to benefit nearly 870,000 individuals who have lost their income this year, and will cost up to a total of RM434mn.

According to PM Ismail, BKP will be provided to:

• Employees registered under Employee Provident Fund (EPF) who have income loss based on data from EPF or Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) in 2021;
• AND have an EPF/SOCSO contribution of at least six months in 2020;
• AND have no contribution for at least three consecutive months until 30 June 2021 (April, May, and June 2021).

With regard to the payments, it will be made through Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) into their accounts. Employees can check their BKP approval status from 26 October 2021 onwards through the portal. The Prime Minister noted that no application is needed to be eligible for BKP as this will be conducted based on the data in EPF and SOCSO.

Once the payment is made, an SMS notification will be sent to employees' registered mobile numbers.

For more information, employees can also refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). "Hopefully this assistance, as well as other cash assistance provided by the government, can reduce the financial burden of Malaysian families in going through this still challenging period," he added.

Recap: FAQs on Bantuan Kehilangan Pendapatan (BKP)/Unemployment assistance in Malaysia

Q: What is Income Loss Assistance (BKP)?
A: Income Loss Assistance (BKP) is cash assistance provided by the Government as an assistance initiative to be channeled to workers who lose their income. There is no age limit for this programme.

Q: Who is eligible to receive BKP?
A: Recipients who are eligible to receive BKP are based on data from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO).

Q: Is it necessary to apply for BKP?
A: The application does not need to be made because the eligibility check will be made based on data from EPF and SOCSO.

Q: What is the eligibility criteria for BKP?
A: BKP eligibility criteria are based on EPF and SOCSO contribution data as follows:

• Have an EPF / SOCSO contribution of at least six months in 2020; and
• No contribution for at least three consecutive months until 30 June 2021 (April, May, June 2021).

Q: How much BKP payment will be received?
A: The BKP payment is RM500 and will be provided on a one-off basis.

Q: When will the BKP payment date be made?
A: BKP payment will be made starting October 26, 2021. Notification of BKP payment will also be made through SMS sent to registered mobile numbers.

Q: How will payment be made?
A: Payment will be made based on the following methods:

• Crediting to bank account
• Cash at the Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) Counter

Q: When and how can the BKP status be checked?
A: BKP status can be checked on the BKP Official Portal starting October 26, 2021.

Q: I have received payment and would like to decline BKP assistance. How to return the BKP payment that has been accepted?
A: The actions to be taken are as follows:

• Submit a letter to the Ministry of Finance Malaysia (MOF) by stating full name, MyKad number / identification number, mailing address, and reason for return;
• Attach bank draft/cheque containing the above payment amount the name of the Accountant General of Malaysia (according to the return amount);
• Bank letter and draft/cheque must be submitted to Ministry of Finance Malaysia at the following address:
  National Budget Office
  Finance Ministry Malaysia
  Precinct 2 62592 Putrajaya 

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Image / PM Ismail's Facebook