By Karen Bong and Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 28: A one-off relief of RM1,000 will be given to 87,500 hawkers and small traders registered with local authorities through Sarawak Pay this year.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced this as one of the seven measures of the latest Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 8.0 involving RM285.47 million today.
“To help hawkers and small traders continue with their businesses, the Sarawak government will provide a special grant worth RM1,000 for one time (one-off) this year.
“The special grant assistance will involve a total expenditure of RM87.5 million on the government,” he told a special press conference held at Wisma Bapa Malaysia today.
In addition, hawkers and small traders will also continue to enjoy a 50 per cent discount on rental at markets and stalls under local government authorities, which was extended under BKSS 8.0.
“This relief will benefit more than 10,165 hawkers and small traders operating in various markets and stalls under the local government authorities.
“The Sarawak government will bear the discount totalling RM1.7 million,” he added.
The latest measures are to provide further relief of financial burden on the people post-Covid-19.
Abang Johari pointed out that this assistance demonstrated the Sarawak government’s commitment to the path of socio-economic recovery for the well-being of the people.
“The Sarawak government will always work hard to ensure all the measures announced in the BKSS packages will benefit the targeted groups,” he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian and State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion were among those present. — DayakDaily
