By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Dec 8: Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak has urged the Sarawak government to fulfill the later’s promises with regards to Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS) 7.0 Plus for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
On Aug 4, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced a special one off financial assistance of RM10,000 which will help some 40,000 active businesses registered in Sarawak.
It would also provide a special one-off financial assistance of RM3,000 for micro enterprises in Sarawak to overcome the economic fallout caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking at a press conference today, DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the aids were supposed to be paid out in two tranches, RM5,000 in September and RM5,000 in December.
Chong alleged that many SMEs did not receive the aid and the initial promises were not delivered.
“As we all know, this is the Sarawak Election and campaigning period. Abang Johari or Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will use this as an excuse not to disburse the funds for fear of allegations of vote buying.
“Notwithstanding to anything with that effect, we DAP Sarawak will not complain even if GPS were to release the funds during this election campaign. We pledged clearly and loudly to GPS that we will not raise any objection or allegation of vote buying on the payout of RM10,000 to SME and RM3,000 to micro traders during this campaign election period,” Chong said in a press conference.
Calling the GPS government to go ahead and help what he termed to be “dying” SMEs as soon as possible, Chong added that although they are only a caretaker at this moment, it is what a government should do.
Earlier at the same press conference, Pending incumbent Violet Yong said many SMEs felt cheated over the aid because it was not as “rosy” as indicated during the announcement.
“When it was first announced, Abang Johari said SME owners are not required to apply and payments will be made directly to those entitled.
“However, later on they were told to submit applications, together with several information and relevant documents to prove as evidence. These SMEs have submitted all the requirements but till today, either they have not received any aid or partially,” Yong said.
Meanwhile, the DAP Sarawak has called on voters to choose their candidates in the 12th Sarawak Election for good governance. — DayakDaily
