GPS leaders to help lessen impact of Covid-19 through disaster relief committees

Tan Sri James Masing

By Peter Sibon

KUCHING, Mar 25: All GPS lawmakers have been directed to contribute to the Disaster Relief Management committee in their respective consistencies, revealed Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing.

He said the amount to contribute was up to the individual lawmakers.

“We have been directed to contribute, so I have done mine. I contributed RM7,000 last week to the Disaster Relief Management committee in Kapit which is headed by the Resident,” Masing told DayakDaily here today.

He also urged the corporate sector to contribute via their CSR in order to get crucial equipment for hospitals and healthcare workers.

“We are fighting an unseen enemy. So everyone must assist the frontliners especially the healthcare workers, police, armed forces, Rela,” he said.

On the Movement Control Order (MCO) which has been extended for another two weeks until April 14, Masing said, the extension was based on medical advice.

“If that is the advice of medical experts, we have to follow. We have no choice if we want to win this fight against Covid-19,” he said.

He also advised the people to stay at home and don’t abuse the MCO.

“It is not an extended holiday. So please find ways and means to keep yourself occupied. Be creative. Be useful! Don’t make a nuisance of yourself. This advice apply both to adults and school children while at home.

“For office workers use your internet to carry our desk work. There is no restriction to verbal interaction. So use your handphone or telephone to communicate if so required,” he said.

Meanwhile, Masing who is also Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president said the MCO would definitely affect the lower income groups especially those who earn below RM4,000 per month.

“That’s why our Sarawak government will give RM250 per month to M40 households for six months. This is the best we can offer. As for other groups, we also give various incentives such as reduced utilities’ tariffs,” he said. —DayakDaily