The consistent increase in the quantum for Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) cash handouts invalidates opposition claims that the country was going bankrupt, said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"Stop saying that the country will go bankrupt every year when every year the amount for BR1M is increased to help the needy," wrote Najib on his blog today.

BR1M cash handouts for households with an income of RM3,000 and below began in 2012 at RM500 per household.

Since then, there has been incremental increases. As of last year, the payment increased to RM1,200 per household.

Najib said BR1M payments for this year will commence on Feb 18 and 5.15 million out of 8.27 million applications for the funds have been approved.