KUCHING: One hundred and ninety-nine registered ‘penambang” (river taxi) operators in Sarawak will be receiving the RM500 one-off cash assistance under the third Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS 3.0). Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin said during the movement control order (MCO) and the present conditional movement control order (CMCO), the penambang operators suffered income losses due to the drastic drop in number of customers, including tourists.
“Therefore, the provision of RM500 one-off financial assistance to each penambang operator by the Sarawak government will benefit and lighten the financial burden of the 199 penambang operators involving an expenditure of RM99,500,” he said during a symbolic cheque handing over ceremony at Pengkalan Beijing, Waterfront Kuching today.
Lee said region one, which covered Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman and Betong Divisions, had 175 penambang operators and the total amount spent would be RM37,500.
“There are 13 penambang operators in region two covering Sibu, Sarikei, Mukah and Kapit Divisions and the amount spent would be RM6,500. There are 11 from region three covering Bintulu, Miri and Limbang and the amount spent would be RM5,500,” he said.
The one-off financial assistance for the penambang operators was revealed by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on May 8 when he announced the BKSS 3.0 valued at RM300 million.
Measure four of the package included the RM500 one-off financial assistance to each penambang operator registered with the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB).
“On behalf of my ministry and the penambang operators, I would like to thank the state government and the chief minister for his understanding and concern on the predicament faced by penambang operators during the MCO and CMCO periods by approving the RM500 one-off financial assistance for them,” he said.
Lee added his ministry and SRB would continue to closely monitor the development of the water transportation services in the state during the CMCO period.
“I urge all relevant parties, especially the riverine transport operators as well as riverine transport users, to give their full support and cooperation to the government to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the interest of all Sarawakians,” he said.
He also took the opportunity to wish all Muslims friends “Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri” and all Dayaks friends “Selamat Hari Gawai, Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai”.
