By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Apr 10: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has announced a RM1,500 grant for each registered hawker in the latest Bantuan Sarawakku Sayang 2.0 (BKSS) stimulus package in a bid to stimulate Sarawak’s economy during this Covid-19 crisis period.
“A special BKSS grant amounting to RM1,500 per entrepreneur will be provided to each hawker and petty trader registered with Local Authorities.
“This will benefit more than 65,000 petty traders and hawkers throughout Sarawak,” said Abang Johari when announcing the BKSS 2.0 at a press conference here today.
He said the grant will be paid out to the respective qualified entrepreneurs’ Sarawak Pay account in two tranches.
“The overall cost of the grants to be borne by Sarawak Government is RM98.4 million,” said Abang Johari.
He urged hawkers and petty traders who are eligible to receive assistance but have no Sarawak Pay account to register for one.
“It is very simple. Just use your smartphone to download Sarawak Pay App through Apple Store or Google Play Store and apply online.
“Please fill in the required information, press the send button and wait for payment to be credited into your account. As an entrepreneur, I believe this should be a very simple process,” he said.
Abang Johari said he was informed that over 15,000 merchants throughout Sarawak are already accepting Sarawak Pay.
He said almost all prominent supermarkets throughout Sarawak, like Everrise, Everwin, H&L, LePaPa, Ta-Kiong, E-Mart, BS Supermarket, CS Market, Unaco and even Doremon in Sarikei and Hong Guan Mini Market in Kapit are accepting Sarawak Pay.
“Therefore, I would encourage everyone to go cashless and help us minimise contact with physical cash, whereby reducing the chances of Covid-19 virus transmissions.
“Furthermore, Sarawak Pay is giving cash backs for all your transactions. For example, Ani’s Laksa Sarawak at Kampung No.6 here in Kuching now accept Sarawak Pay. She also uses Sarawak Pay to buy ingredients for her Laksas at supermarkets nearby and receives cashbacks for her transactions.
“So far, there are over 250,000 Sarawak Pay users and growing. I hope one day, all Sarawakians will go cashless,” said Abang Johari.
He stated that those outside internet coverage and may not have easy access to Sarawak Pay, especially those registered petty traders with FAMA and Department of Agriculture (DOA) in the rural areas, will be given cash vouchers.— DayakDaily
