By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 8: Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 3.0, like BKSS 2.0 is an economic assistance package developed from people’s feedback.
This is the view of Marudi assemblyman Datuk Penguang Manggil who added that BKSS 2.0 and BKSS 3.0 were indicative that the Sarawak government was attempting to assist as many public sectors as possible in the wake of Covid-19.
“The launch of both BKSS 2.0 and 3.0 shows that Sarawak government is listening to its people. These two economic packages are both the result of people’s feedback,” Penguang told DayakDaily.
One of the examples cited by Penguang was that BKSS 3.0 now other frontliners such as customs officers and Fire and Rescue Department personnel who were not included in the previous packages.
“BKSS 3.0 also includes B40 household heads who are entitled to the aid but missing from the list; those of 21 years of age but earning below RM2,000 per month; tour guides and licensed national parks tourist guides who are also badly affected as well as ‘Perahu tambang’ operators including school buses, van operators and taxi drivers who need as much financial assistance as the hawkers and petty traders.
“All these people who Sarawak government overlooked are now being included in the BKSS 3.0,” said Penguang.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has launched BKSS 3.0 today at a press conference.
This third economic package which involved RM300 million to be injected into the state economy is introduced to cushion the impact of Covid-19 on the people.
Meanwhile, the Local Government Assistant Minister also pointed out that apart from BKSS 3.0, the Sarawak government has also allocated fund to buy hardware to make Mobile Bank possible to provide convenience for the rural people to withdraw financial aid during Movement Control Order (MCO) without having to make cross-district travel.
He disclosed that the Sarawak government is the one providing the hardware such as ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) and van while the bank provides the manpower and both parties work together to make the services of Mobile Bank possible.
“This present government is one that cares about its people. We don’t care about those who criticise us to gain publicity. I believe no one can do better than this present government,” said Penguang.—DayakDaily
