KUCHING: Sarawakians in the B40 group will receive RM250 each for six months beginning next month.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed this when he announced ‘Sarawakku Sayang Special Aid Package’ for Sarawakians adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“A total of 43,000 Sarawakians in the low-income category (B40 group) will benefit from the assistance. This will cost the state government RM645 million,” he said in a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia yesterday.
He said the distribution of the assistance will be based on a list prepared by the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) which will emulate the BR1M system.
“The assistance will be credited into the accounts of recipients,” he said, adding that the state government will also get a list from State Welfare Department to ensure that no one is left out,” he said.
When asked of assistance would be given to the homeless, Abang Johari said definitely they would get help.
He spoke about the global economy facing many challenges over the years and the uncertainty over prolonged trade tensions between the United States and China which has slowed down global economy and dampened trade performance since 2018.
“The situation is now made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic. The national economy has experienced the slowest growth of 3.6 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2019 due to slower performance in trade, disruptions of commodity supplies and lower investments,” he said, adding that this would have negative impact on Sarawak’s economy.
As such, the chief minister said the assistance was state-funded initiative on top of what the federal government has announced earlier to mitigate the impact of Covid-19.
