KUCHING, Aug 7: The issue with the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) regarding their month allowances claims for the month of May and June will be addressed as soon as possible.
According to a news report from the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) today, Bintulu MP Tiong King Sing hoped that the accounting department from the agency in the division would look into the matter and simplify the process.
“The procedures and bureaucratic hassles, including the process, should be addressed as soon as possible to ensure that these groups can earn a stable income every month.
“The improvements should facilitate them (Rela) and not deny their rights. All parties must work together in addressing the problem seriously and efficiently, so that all the procedures can be carried out efficiently to ensure their (Rela) allowances are paid on time,” he said after attending a dialogue session with Rela Sarawak director Abang Zulfikar Abang Raduan and Bintulu Rela members, at a local hotel on Friday.
Tiong, who is also the Prime Minister’s special envoy to China, pointed out that Rela members are also affected by the Covid-19 pandemic economically.
He said many of them are in a difficult financial situation and are relying on their income (allowances) to support their monthly expenses.
“The delay in the payment of allowance will definitely put a lot of pressure on them,” he added.
On the same note, Tiong also called for the commitment of Rela members who are stationed in quarantine hotels and restricted areas to carry out their duties and responsibilities, especially in light of recent public complaints that restricted areas are being left unattended and individuals in quarantine areas are entering and exiting while wearing bracelets.
Such a situation, he said, would affect the community’s perception of Rela and could cause them to lose trust and respect for the department.
Meanwhile, during the dialogue session, Tiong also distributed a total of 350 baskets of PEMULIH (Economic Recovery Package) food aid to every Rela member affected. — DayakDaily
