Why did Sanusi use an estimated RM600 billion figure for Covid-19 aid?

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Sanusi Admits Fabricating RM600 Billion Figure for Covid-19 Aid Explanation

Kedah Mentri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has stated that he fabricated the figure of “RM600 billion” as an explanation to voters regarding the extent of aid provided by the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government during the Covid-19 pandemic. He expressed surprise that this figure was subsequently cited by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Sanusi clarified that the actual total sum disbursed was RM530 billion, not RM600 billion.
Origin of the RM600 Billion Estimate

Sanusi indicated that he was among the first to mention the RM600 billion figure because he perceived the expenditure by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's administration in response to the pandemic to be substantial. He felt the sum was immense due to the numerous programmes implemented to assist the public during the crisis. Sanusi stated he was merely offering this figure as an illustration of the scale of the aid.
Breakdown of the RM530 Billion Aid

The RM530 billion, as explained by Sanusi, was not entirely in cash but comprised various programmes. These included measures such as bank loan moratoriums and facilitated withdrawals from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). This indicates that the financial relief extended went beyond direct cash handouts.
Cash Component of the Aid

Sanusi specified that the only direct cash component within the RM530 billion package was RM80 billion allocated for Bantuan Sara Hidup, a direct cash assistance programme. This highlights that the majority of the stated aid was in the form of financial facilities and policy measures rather than immediate cash disbursements.

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Why did Sanusi use an estimated RM600 billion figure for Covid-19 aid?

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