KUCHING: The Sarawak government, through the Ministry of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development, has approved an allocation of RM944,360 to provide various forms of aid to fight the Covid-19 pandemic during the movement control order (MCO).
Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, in a press statement yesterday, revealed that various agencies in the state had been instructed to work beyond their normal working hours.
These agencies include Sarawak State Health Department (including Screening and Quarantine Centres), Royal Malaysian Police, Sarawak Immigration Department, Malaysian Armed Forces, Malaysia Civil Defence Force, The General Operations Force (PGA), Rela and Sarawak Welfare Department.
To acknowledge their commitment and sacrifices, starting from March 24 to 31, the following aid will be provided:
• Packed food to all front liners from these agencies; the distribution will be coordinated by Fatimah’s ministry, through the divisional welfare offices, in collaboration with the respective Divisional/District State Disaster Management Committee.
• Temporary resting places at Riverside Majestic Hotel Astana Wing, Kuching will be provided for the State Health Department front liners, who are unable to go home due to the urgency of services and safety. Shuttle services from/to the hotel will also be provided.
• Packed food for 75 students at Sarawak Matriculation College who are not able to go back and this is to complement the existing meals provided.
• Health kits to Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) students as requested.
• And lastly, psychological support and counselling services to family members of those affected by Covid-19, senior citizens and mothers with small children, to ensure mental wellness in the community.
