The first phase payment of the Prihatin Nasional Aid (BPN) announced by Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will be made in stages starting on Monday (April 6, 2020).

Finance Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the BPN, with a total of RM9.24 billion, would be paid in two phases.

"I am pleased to announce that the first phase of BPN (under the Prihatin Rakyat Stimulus Package) for 8.3 million household recipients and single individuals have been approved.

"The first phase of payments of RM5.63 billion will be made in stages beginning April 6, 2020 (Monday)," he said in a statement today.

In this regard, he advised the public to be wary of scammers who dared to take the opportunity to deceive the public who needed the help of this aid.

"Recipients are advised to refer to official sources and not to disclose any information to unidentified persons," he said.

On March 24, Prime Minister announced a RM250 billion Prihatin Rakyat Stimulus Package to be channelled to all public and private sectors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of that, nearly RM128 billion was allocated to protect the welfare of the people and another RM100 billion to support businesses, including the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).