KUCHING: The Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS) 9.0 package shows the state government is very responsive to the plight of the people who are grappling with rising costs.
In stating this, Minister of Welfare, Community Well-being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah pointed out that the measures introduced by the government will definitely ease the financial burden, mental stress, anxiety, and worry of the people.
“This assistance will especially help those from the low income group, the B40, the single mothers who still have young dependent children to look after, head of household with disabled as well as bedridden family members,” she said when contacted by the New Sarawak Tribune.
Meanwhile, she added that the measure of putting additional construction materials under the special provisions for variation of price (VOP) 2.0 will also definitely help ensure projects can be implemented for the benefit of the people.
“Without it, assemblymen and assemblywoman like us who have physical and infrastructure projects in our constituencies, will have to face the risk of delay or even sick projects due to contractor inability to cope with the marked increase in building material prices.
“Moreover, these are catalytic and high impact projects needed by the people,” she said.
Meanwhile, also lauding the package, Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki said the package is a manifestation of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s resolve to be a people-centric government.
“With it being announced today, it shows that the Sarawak government is concerned about the plight of the people, and is doing its level best to assist those affected by the soaring living costs, particularly those from the low-income group,” he said.
He stated that while the BKSS was introduced during Covid-19 times, it is still relevant for the initiatives to be continued particularly the discounts in water and electricity bills, assessment rates and on rental for petty traders and hawkers during the post-pandemic period as many are still recovering from its impact as well as affected by the current inflation.
“For that, many petty traders and hawkers particularly will benefit greatly from the discounted rental for trading spaces as their businesses are still recovering.
“At the same time, I also applaud the move by the government to initiate the VOP 2.0 assistance to cater to the increase in price of construction materials for all State funded projects.
“It will help in turn, ease the plight of the industry as well as ensure timely delivery of badly needed development projects in Sarawak.
“As such, it will definitely ensure continued socioeconomic activities particularly in rural areas where the people’s livelihood and economy depend on these projects along with guaranteeing improved infrastructure and facilities to the people,” he said.
