KUCHING: The implementation of the Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS) package reflects a caring and people-centric government.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil said due to the prolonged pandemic, everyone is able to see and feel how difficult life is.
“Hence, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government has stepped up and is willing to help and ease the burden of the vulnerable groups such as the general public, the low income group, the small time businesses and the affected rural populace,” he said when contacted by the New Sarawak Tribune.
When the BKSS 9.0 was announced, he expressed hope that the assistance would be organised properly.
“This is so that it will reach out to the targeted groups, especially those who do not have access to information and communications technology (ICT) and for the implementing agencies to exercise care and diligence in order to avoid a public outcry,” he said.
In line with the assistance, Penguang said Sarawak is indeed blessed to have the resources and extra revenue from oil and gas sales tax.
“Based on our principles of equity and inclusivity, we share these extra resources with the people in need of such assistance for them to pull through this unprecedented difficult time.
“With the unprecedented measures required for it, the state government had allocated over RM1 billion in the BKSS 9.0.
“This (much of allocation) has never been done before or even seen somewhere else in Malaysia and perhaps elsewhere,” he said.
On Aug 29, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the BKSS 9.0 package, which is worth more than RM1 billion.
According to him, the latest package reflected the government’s concern as it is a challenging time for all due to the high cost of living.
Among the measures are discounts on the monthly electricity and water bill, discounts on the annual assessment tax rate, discounts on rental of local authorities’ markets and stalls and putting additional construction materials under the special provisions for variation of price (VOP) 2.0.
