FOOD AID RM100 PER HOUSEHOLD?
KUCHING: The state Food Supply Chain Sub-committee has rubbished fake news that food distributed during the movement control order (MCO) period must be worth RM100 per household.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, said the false information that went viral on social media was never issued by the sub-committee which he chairs.
“Our main objective is to ensure that as many people as possible receive food aid especially those in rural areas, remote longhouses, urban poor and those who have no income during the partial lockdown.
“The issue of cost of distributed essential goods should not arise and disputed by the recipients,” he said in a press conference streamed live on the Facebook page of Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), yesterday.
He said the RM16.4 million already approved by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg would be used by the committee to pay for essential food items distributed to needy people statewide according to constituencies.
“The targeted groups will be determined by the respective divisional or district level State Disaster Management Committee with assistance from government agencies, service centres and non-governmental organisations (NGOs),” he said.
He pointed out that several assemblymen and members of Parliament, individuals and NGOs had, on their own initiatives, sent food to the needy.
“We appreciate their noble efforts which are subject to their respective abilities, capabilities and discretion,” he said.
Awang Tengah also said there was adequate food in the state, so he advised members of the public not to go into panic buying. Wholesalers are also told to refrain from hiding or hoarding basic necessities especially controlled items.
