KAPIT, June 8: Welfare Department Kapit Division personnel had to traverse the difficult and dangerous logging roads for more than three hours to deliver food aid to two longhouses under lockdown located in the interior of Bukit Mabong District.
According to a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the personnel who were assisted by several government agencies had set out to deliver some 80 packages of food aid to the longhouses yesterday (June 7).
A total of 32 food packages were delivered to Rumah Barang in Sungai Melinau and 44 packages to Rumah Nyamuk in Nanga Serau Gaat to relieve the burden of the people affected by the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO).
Meanwhile, the department had on Sunday (June 6) embarked on a three-hour boat journey to deliver food aid to the residents of three longhouses in Antawau, Baleh which are also under lockdown currently.
A total of 66 food packages were sent out of which 20 packages were meant for Rumah Tajai, 35 packages for Rumah Laso and 11 packages for Rumah Rentap.
The Sarawak government has allocated RM35.5 million under Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 6.0 to purchase and deliver food assistance to the people, especially those in the lower income B40 category, in an effort to relieve some of their burden during this difficult period.
Each state constituency (DUN) has been allocated a minimum of RM250,000 for this purpose while for areas with more households, they will receive allocations based on the number of targeted households.
A total of 472,923 heads of households in 12 divisions in Sarawak impacted by the Movement Control Order (MCO) and other Covid-19 restrictions are eligible for the food aid.
Distribution and deliveries to affected households across the State are ongoing despite logistical challenges as the State government targets to complete the mission by June 11.
The Sarawak government has approved a total of RM1.4 billion to roll out various initiatives under BKSS 6.0 to assist the people including cash handouts as well as various discounts and incentives. — DayakDaily
