SDGA shows solidarity during Covid-19 and MCO through donations to frontliners, needy

Contributions from the SDGA Covid-19 Soladirity Contribution Funds handed over to recipients via various SDGA collaborators throughout the state.

KUCHING, May 28: A total of 40,000 rubber gloves for the frontliners, including food supplies for the needy have been donated courtesy of Sarawak Dayak Graduate Association (SDGA) Covid-19 Solidarity Contribution Funds.

According to SDGA president Gary Ningkan, the funds managed to collect a total of RM10,000 for Phase 1 and Phase 2, which was contributed by the public and SDGA members and distributed by the association collaborators namely Muhamad Taufik Yahya, Sarawak Covid 19 3D Printers Union, and the #Jagasamadirik initiative.

“The funds were fully used to purchase 20,000 pieces of rubber gloves which were distributed to various clinics and hospitals in Kuching, Betong, Bintulu, Mukah and Belaga, including food supplies to urban poor folks in Miri and Sibu via Persatuan Belia Miri and Asastani.com, respectively.

“Another 20,000 pieces of rubber gloves will be donated out to our frontliners via our various collaborators in due course, including the food supplies, while the remaining amount will be used to purchase food supplies for the needy which we have identified via our collaborators,” said Gerald in a press statement, yesterday.

Gerald stated that SDGA also donated stationery and learning kits to children at Jalan Chawan in Kuching.

He said in order to ensure transparency and accountability, SDGA had appointed Noelle Lily Morse and Rev Kelvin Jawa as the trustee and observer of the donation drive.

“Civil society organisations have a role to play in this collective effort to ensure Sarawak is free from the spread of Covid-19 in near future. We are very honoured to have worked with various organisations and willing individuals within the past few months.

“In light of current situation, SDGA needs to adapt to the new normal and figure out new ways to conduct its activities. We must not rest on our laurels and continue to play our part in contributing to human capital development in Sarawak,” he added.

On another note, Gerald opined that it was imperative that the standard operating procedure (SOP) was adhered to by employers in order to contain the spread of Covid-19 virus, as business started to operate again to get the economy moving.

He pointed that most importantly is to avoid another Movement Control Order (MCO) implementation which will further jeopardise the country’s economy.

“SDGA is constantly providing information on employment opportunities via our Facebook page. We are also currently in the midst of planning out some initiatives to look into upskilling programs for young Sarawakians, as well as reaching out to students in rural areas,” he said.—DayakDaily