CM: State to review Sarawakku Sayang package

KUCHING: The Sarawak government will be reviewing the Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance Package, particularly on measures meant for small businesses who are among those deeply impacted by the extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, said Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The chief minister, who stated this during RTM's ‘Bicara Naratif' show on Sunday night which discussed Sarawak's action plan amidst the present Covid-19 situation, said the government would also review other forms of aid meant to ease the burden of those impacted by the prolonged MCO.

“As we know, the MCO has been extended for another two weeks (to April 14), so we will review all the sectors that we need to help, especially the small businesses who would not be able to earn for another two weeks, as well as the production sector because its workers might be impacted.

“We appreciate the aid from the federal government, but the state government will make sure that those who deserve the aid will not be left out.

“I will reevaluate what we have announced to be given to the people so that in the next six months, our economy can be restored to normal,” he said.

On March 23, Abang Johari announced the RM1.15 billion Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance Package to help Sarawakians face the economic uncertainties triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Two days later, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the MCO, which was initially set to end March 31, would be extended by a further two weeks due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the country.