By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Mar 21: Sarawak will introduce its own economic stimulus package called the ‘Economic Aid Package’ on Monday, revealed Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during a news conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
He explained that the Economic Aid Package would include aid for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) affected by the Movement Control Order (MCO) due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The chief minister who is also the Finance Minister, was asked whether Sarawak would follow the initiative taken by the Federal and Selangor government.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had announced a RM20 billion stimulus package recently while Selangor had announced a RM127.8 mln for similar purpose.
Two days ago, the prime minister announced an additional allocation of RM160 million to be channelled to 26 hospitals in the country to contain the COVID-19 outbreak second wave.
On another issue, Abang Johari said workers in the private sector who look after finance should continue to work in shifts to facilitate workers’ wages and salaries.
On the collaboration with private hospitals for health screening, the chief minister clarified that it was meant for the use of their facilities.
“Costing is different (for health screening), we can arrange with them. The question is on the facilities, it must be there because the person (who carries out the health screening) must be certified by RMR (Registered Medical Practitioners) under WHO (World Health Organization). They are not ordinary persons.
“Now we are extending the facilities to the private hospitals in order to cope with the test. As for the cost, discussions are being done now,” he said.
Meanwhile, the chief minister said Sarawak would import masks directly from China for needs of Sarawakians market which has experiencing shortage even before the MCO was imposed.
“We are exploring the import of face masks direct from China to Kuching,” he said. —DayakDaily
