KUCHING: The plight of the hawkers and petty traders in Sarawak are being addressed by the state government, said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth.
They were responding to Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen who had earlier questioned whether the state government was withholding necessary assistances to the group in view of the Covid-19 situation.
“The move by the DAP chairman is purely political and does not reflect the reality where the state government is always helping small enterprises and extending assistance to those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This can be seen from the various assistance issued through the Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS) package which have benefited the recipients.
“This is complemented by the economic stimulus package issued by the federal government through Prihatin, Penjana and Pemerkasa,” they said in a statement on Saturday (May 15).
PBB Youth said however with the dynamic Covid-19 situation, there is a need for further assistance to be given.
“We are sure this is being considered by the state government towards ensuring the viability of the local economy.
“DAP and Chong should not play politics by issuing statements and portraying as if the state government does not care about the welfare of the people,” the statement said.
PBB Youth assured that the state government would strive to provide the best platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), micro enterprises, hawkers and petty traders to generate income.
“Despite the strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) in line with the conditional movement control order (CMCO), hawkers and traders are still allowed to operate.
“This is particularly important in ensuring economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic,” it said.
