KUCHING: Persatuan Anak Istimewa Sarawak (Perais) applauded the implementation of total lockdown by the federal government from June 1 onwards.
Its association president Rapelson Richard Hamit said the decision would greatly help in curbing the spread of Covid-19.
He urged the state government to follow the steps of the federal government in eradicating the spread even though it was a bit late since many residents had now returned to their respective villages for the Gawai celebration.
“In addition, both governments need to provide assistance and incentives to help the needy, especially the disabled, single mothers, the elderly, the poor and those without a fixed income if the total movement restrictions are implemented.
“Implementing total movement restrictions will definitely lower the virus transmission and the graph of Covid-19. Hence, the economic sector will be able to re-operate after two weeks depending on the current cases,” he said.
Rapelson added that the Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS) 6.0 announced by the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg did not touch on the special package for the disabled.
“We hope that the state government can consider giving one off RM500 to registered disabled people (OKU) and top up RM150 to recipients of monthly assistance from the state Social Welfare Department (JKM) with the help of special business grants for OKU traders and OKU Associations/Clubs to stop these OKU businesses from going bankrupt.
“Meanwhile, the Society for the Blind Malaysia (Sarawak) chairman Isak Ngau had a meeting with the Chief Minister on Apr 27 and sent a memorandum of OKU claims and stated claims to help OKU amidst the Covid-19 pandemic,” he explained.
Persatuan Insan Istimewa Daro dan Matu (Idam) chairman, Antonie Zawie, also supported this, he added.
On behalf of the OKU in Sarawak, Rapelson wished the Dayak “Selamat Hari Gawai”. He reminded the people to adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs)to help eradicate the spread of the virus.
