KUCHING, April 4: The distribution of food supplies throughout Sarawak, with assistance from the armed forces, went smoothly despite the remote location and tough terrain in some areas.
International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development Assistant Minister, Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, said the delivery process of all the relief goods to districts throughout the state has run according to plan.
According to him, the district-level disaster management committee have informed that most areas have also received the “Sarawakku Sayang” assistance through express boats and transportation by land.
“However, for certain deep rural areas, which was not accessible by road, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) will assist us together with the army.
“So far the armed forces have provided us with one unit of helicopter from its Miri airbase, and will be making its delivery trip to Ulu Baram tomorrow,” he added.
Naroden, who is also one of the Covid-19 food supply chain committee member, said the committee are still in need of at least one more helicopter to expedite the delivery of supplies to the rural areas including Ulu Rajang, Kampit and Belaga.
He said supplies delivered using the helicopter will be distributed to five constituencies, benefitting 2,712 households in Telang Usan (1,131), Mulu (828), Batang Ai (355), Murum (194) and Meluan (204).
Naroden said 444,329 households in 82 constituencies in Sarawak will benefit from the food aid provided by the state government during the MCO. The food supply chain committee has delivered food aid to 67 constituencies as of today, he continued.
He also disclosed that the food supply in “Point of Sales” (POS) are sufficient and assured that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) are monitoring the situation. — DayakDaily
