KUCHING, June 4: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Backbenchers Club is urging all government-linked companies (GLCs) to follow in the Sarawak government’s footsteps by contributing to the State Disaster Fund.
“We urge that State government linked companies follow in the footsteps of the State government to do their part to contribute to the State Disaster Fund and help tackle the pandemic,” it said.
With this, it hoped to some extent would be able to help the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) and other agencies to procure more medical equipment and supplies to fight Covid-19 as Sarawak reaches a critical period.
Welcoming the GPS government’s pay cut move following the announcement of the RM1.4 billion Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 6.0, the Backbenchers Club said this reflected the Sarawak government’s concern on the recent rapid surge of Covid-19 cases statewide.
“The GPS government is committed to ensure that Sarawak can fully address Covid-19 and complete its vaccine rollout within the predetermined period.
“At the same time, the State government is also concerned about the health, welfare and safety of the people.
“We take this opportunity to urge Sarawakians to continue doing their part to flatten the Covid-19 curve statewide,” it said in a statement today.
Earlier today, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) announced that all Sarawak cabinet ministers, elected members of the State Legislative Assembly (ADUNs), political secretaries would contribute two months’ worth of their salary and allowances starting June, which amounted to about RM3 million.
In line with this move, the State Civil Service workforce will also contribute a portion of their fixed entertainment allowance (ITK) for two months in July and August to the disaster fund.
If the pandemic situation persists, CMO said the GPS government would consider the extension of this form of contributions. — DayakDaily
