KUCHING: Local elected representatives want the current situation to be studied first before deciding if further food aid is required during the extended movement control order (MCO) period.
Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, who is also Kemena assemblyman, said the first lot of food aid distribution had been completed in his constituency – with a total of 7,034 households receiving the assistance.
“So far, there has been no additional request. If there is any during the extended MCO, we will assist selectively through the Social Welfare Department (JKM),” he said when contacted yesterday.
Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh also said the situation should be studied first as there had been lots of assistance rendered by both state and federal governments thus far.
He said some elected representatives had made their own effort of sending food baskets to their respective areas.
“I have carried out such assistance twice – the first from our own budget, and followed by the RM200,000 allocation from the Sarawak government for each constituency. Our MPs are doing the same,” he said.
He said such aid, along with the cash assistance from the government, could at least ease some of the burden of affected families.
He felt there had been sufficient assistance provided to the people thus far.
“We should spend carefully and prepare moderate menus – not too lavish, as we consider this as a critical period,” he advised.
“Together, we play our role and pray that this deadly virus will end soon,” added Miro.
