By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Oct 23: Sarawak government has released the fourth wave of financial assistance totalling up to RM104.84 million under Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 4.0.
There were seven measures to be extended until December 2020 in hopes of easing the burden of the people whose livelihoods and businesses were adversely impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government has since April 2020 implemented three waves of BKSS assistance packages with a total worth of RM2.55 billion.
“It (BKSS) has benefitted about 3.08 million beneficiaries from various groups such as the B40 groups, frontliners, transportation sector, tourism sector and business sector.
“In view of the recent surge in the Covid-19 cases throughout the country that has affected businesses and livelihood of the rakyat, the state government has decided to extend seven measures that will lessen the impact of the pandemic until the end of this year (2020).
“The seven extended measures under BKSS 4.0 which I am going to announce will have cost implication to Sarawak government of a total sum of RM104.84 million,” said Abang Johari before announcing the seven extended measures of BKSS 4.0 at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
The seven measures are inclusive of the following:
1. Electricity bill discount
2. Water bill discount
3. HDC rental discount of 50 per cent for residential
4. One-off RM500 assistance to e-hailing drivers and driver instructors
5. 50 per cent discount for rental of market and stalls
6. Waiver of permits and licenses fees
7. Waiver of rentals to SMEs in retail sector operating on premises owned by State Statutory Bodies
With that, Abang Johari said positive feedbacks have been heard from the people who have benefitted greatly from the BKSS assistance, thus he expressed his hopes for the extension to continue to be helpful in the following days.
“I sincerely hope this further extension of BKSS until year-end will provide the much-needed relief to our people who are badly affected by the (Covid-19) pandemic,” he said.-DayakDaily
