Sarawak govt to extend aid to the urban poor, unemployed during MCO

Awang Tengah addressing the press conference.

By Adrian Lim

KUCHING, March 30: The state government is looking at ways to help the urban poor and those who are jobless during the movement control order (MCO).

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the state is identifying the target groups that require assistance, especially essential food items.

“The target group that will be provided with basic food would be determined by the district or division’s disaster management committee with the help of government agencies, elected representatives service centre and relevant non-governmental organisation (NGO).

“Apart from the rural and remote areas, the urban poor and those who have lost their income as a result of MCO, we are taking these target group into consideration,” he told a press conference after chairing the sub-committee of food supply chain meeting here today.

Awang Tengah said the state Welfare Department is working with the State Disaster Management Committee to provide assistance to the target group.

On another note, the food supply chain sub-committee chairman expressed gratitude to donors and contributors who have supplied medical equipment for frontliners to combat the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak in Sarawak.

Awang Tengah advised donors and contributors to coordinate with the disaster management committee in the respective district or division to ensure proper management and distribution of aid.

At the same time, he urged Sarawakians to abide and comply with the MCO. — DayakDaily