By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Jan 18: Some 73,000 households in Sibu division which is now under the Movement Control Order (MCO) will be provided with food assistance.
“In view of the MCO imposed on Sibu division covering three districts, Sibu, Selangau and Kanowit and affecting 11 DUNs from Jan 18 to 29 this year, the state government has decided to provide food assistance to those affected in the areas,” said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan today.
He added the distribution of food aid by the Sibu Divisional Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) with the support of Sibu, Selangau and Kanowit District Disaster Management Committees is expected to start its operation this coming Wednesday (Jan 20).
Sibu DDMC would also be working together with relevant departments, agencies, community leaders, village development and security committees (JKKKs), and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the operation.
Adding on, Awang Tengah who is also Minister of International Trade and Industry, and Industrial, Terminal and Entrepreneur Development Minister asserted that the Sarawak government would not leave out anyone in the affected areas.
Rural locations which require special transportation to reach such as helicopters and boats would be considered as well.
“We want to make sure that within this MCO period, all food assistance will reach those in need because we don’t want anyone to be left out.
“I have also requested Sibu DDMC to identify the areas where we need helicopters and probably boats to deliver the food items.
“So, the cooperation of Bomba (Fire and Rescue Department), the army and other relevant departments are much needed,” he told a press conference at Wisma Sumber Alam earlier today. — DayakDaily
