About VND390 billion in relief and gifts and 21,750 tonnes of rice were also handed out to 1.4 million people who have been living with a shortage of food and 1.2 million social welfare beneficiaries, the office said.

In addition to this aid, the administrations of 63 provinces and cities have spent about VND600 billion, sourced from their local budgets, preparing Tet gifts for the disadvantaged.

Ho Chi Minh City took the lead in assisting social welfare beneficiaries during the Tet festival, with VND110 billion in total, followed by the capital city of Hanoi with VND100 billion.