Johor bahru: The Johor State Government has extended the period for the submission of Bantuan Kasih Johor (BKJ) Fourth Phase until June 28 to give more time to recipients to obtain the assistance.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi stated that the extension is one of several immediate improvements aimed at ensuring a more orderly and straightforward submission process, particularly for categories with large numbers of recipients such as the elderly and housewives. Other improvements include increasing the number of counters according to the ratio of recipients at each location, including the provision of complaint and enquiry counters to facilitate review and payment procedures.

"At least 35 review counters and 35 payment counters will be provided for locations with more than 3,000 recipients, while locations with 2,000 recipients and below will involve 10 review counters and 10 payment counters," Onn Hafiz said in a statement after chairing the Fourth Phase BKJ Coordination Meeting.

Onn Hafiz noted that the operating hours would be extended to 12 hours, especially in the Johor Bahru district, to reduce congestion and provide comfort to recipients, particularly the elderly. A waiting room was also provided at locations with a high number of recipients before the review process was carried out. Recipients only need to bring their identification cards for review purposes before payment is made.

Meanwhile, representatives of the next of kin are allowed to receive assistance on behalf of recipients who are unable to attend. The state government will also visit the homes of eligible recipients if there are no next of kin available. Members of Southern Volunteers have been mobilised to assist senior citizens or the Disabled (PwD) during the assistance handover process.

Additionally, appeal applications will be opened starting July 1 to provide an opportunity for individuals who are eligible but not yet listed to review and reapply. Onn Hafiz emphasized that the state government will take note of every opinion and feedback received and implement immediate steps to streamline the assistance handover process.

In conclusion, Onn Hafiz affirmed that the state government will continue to improve and refine the implementation process from time to time to ensure smoother delivery of BKJ benefits to recipients.