KUCHING: Over 200,842 food baskets worth RM17.4 million have been distributed to households affected by the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) as of July 18.
This was revealed by Sarawak Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development (KWKPK) minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah on Monday (July 19).
The food aid was distributed to 197,997 heads of household (KIR) through the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
“If we look at the numbers, last year there was only one area in which the EMCO or lockdown was implemented compared to 1,439 areas this year so far.
“As of July 18, the active areas undergoing EMCO are Kuching (nine); Sri Aman (one); Betong (10); Sarikei (13); Sibu (eight) and Kapit, Bintulu as well as Miri (seven each).”
She said this during the distribution of food baskets for households at Kampung Tabuan Melayu undergoing EMCO.
The food baskets will benefit 2,471 KIR, namely 657 in Tabuan Dani; 570 in Tabuan Lot; 305 in Tabuan Tengah; 430 in Tabuan Lama; 329 in Tabuan Hilir and 180 in Tabuan Cemerlang.
“Food baskets consist of essential items such as rice and sugar among others, (which can last) for two weeks. If the EMCO is extended, JKM will top up the food baskets.
“Distribution has been entrusted to JKM by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC). This incurs a large cost, nonetheless the state government provides sufficient allocation for this purpose.”
Fatimah added that JKM had also been providing meals to frontliners on duty at roadblocks (SJR).
She thanked JKM’s logistic partners, including the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba).
“We work together with our partners under the Divisional Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) as well as the village security and development committee (JKKK) under the supervision of the respective local elected representatives.”
Also present were Assistant Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, JKM director Noriah Ahmad, Bomba director Khirudin Drahman and Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.
