SIBU, Sept 10: compound is urging the Sarawak government to distribute as soon as possible the RM10,000 financial aid to registered, active businesses under the seventh Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS 7.0).
Speaking at a press conference today, its deputy chairman for general affairs, Hii Tiong Siew said many coffee shop operators are desperately waiting for the aid.
“We are facing hard times during this Covid-19 pandemic. With three Movement Control Orders (MCO) already, our businesses have nosedived. We are in need of financial assistance and we hope the government can release the money soon,” he said.
Hii said Tong Ing Kok, chairman of the association, had enquired relevant authorities about the aid but there have been no responses regarding the date of release of the money.
“With Coronavirus soaring, we are seeing a drop in people dining in. This will again affect our income, so we need the financial aid,” he explained further.
On the RM1,500 aid under BKSS 6.0, he said some hawker stall operators in coffee shops have yet to receive their first batch of RM700 through SarawakPay.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had on Aug 4, announced that the Sarawak government will provide a special one-off financial assistance of RM10,000 for active businesses in Sarawak registered with the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) as of Dec 31, 2020.
Meanwhile, Hii expressed hope that the integrated SOP monitoring team would not penalise coffee shop operators with a compound of RM10,000 if their patrons are caught not observing social distancing.
“We want them to be strict in SOP monitoring work by taking action against the defaulters. However, actions should not be meted against us as we can only advise our patrons to observe social distancing.
“We cannot force them as we do not have the authority in the form of a warrant,” he said.
Two weeks ago, an operator received a RM10,000 compound when four patrons sat at a table meant for only three persons. — DayakDaily
