KUCHING, July 8: Persatuan Anak Istimewa Sarawak (Perais) is urging the Federal government to include those with disabilities (OKU) who are receiving the Geran Khas Prihatin (GKP) aid to be included in the Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat (BPR) aid as well.
Its president Raelson Richard Hamit said in a statement today that Perais have received complaints from OKU traders who had received the GKP assistance but were instead disqualified from the BPR assistance.
These complainants included those who are visually impaired and operating their own businesses such as massage centre operators, buskers and tissue sellers, including some who are about to close down their operation due to the pandemic.
“As such, Perais calls on the government to reevaluate those OKU who are receiving GKP to be eligible to receive the BPR,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rapelson also pointed out that the National People’s Well-Being and Economic Recovery Package (Pemulih) which was announced by the Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is not comprehensive and exclusive for the people with disabilities (OKU).
He suggested for the government to increase the monthly assistance given to the OKU to RM50 per month, with a maximum limit of RM3,000, in line with the poverty rate.
He opined that the increment must be based in accordance with the current situation, especially in facing the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Apart from that, Perais also would like to recommend a one off assistance of RM500 to all OKU who receive the monthly assistance, because this group income is also affected at this moment,” he added. — DayakDaily
