By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, May 28: The Sarawak government will provide a one-off incentive amounting to RM1,500 to media practitioners in the State who carry out their duties as frontliners during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the incentive would be provided as recognition for their contribution and the sacrifices during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The Sarawak government recognises the sacrifices and the contribution of the media personnel as frontliners who face the risk of the Covid-19 pandemic while on duty in Sarawak.
“Therefore, the Sarawak government will provide a one-off cash payment of RM1,500 to media personnel.
“This measure will cost the Sarawak government RM900,000,” he said during a press conference on the announcement of Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 6.0 at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
He emphasised that the Sarawak government has extended the BKSS 6.0 to sustain the livelihoods of the people impacted by the Movement Control Order (MCO) and the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO).
Abang Johari who is also Finance and Economic Planning Minister revealed that a total of 15 measures will be implemented under BKSS 6.0 with nine measures involving cash incentives and six measures on discount incentives.
He disclosed that the 15 measures under BKSS 6.0 will incur an expenditure of RM1.4 billion on the Sarawak government including ongoing measures that have been taken to reduce the burden and assist the people in the current trying times.
The State government, Abang Johari reiterated will continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the people.
“Together with my colleagues in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), we will continue and are committed to work hard to serve our people,” he added.
Meanwhile, the GPS government had spent a total of RM3.1 billion in rolling out five BKSS packages since the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020 and the implementation of the various phases of MCO.
Among those who were present at the press conference were Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. — DayakDaily
