Sabah Umno distributes 150 tonnes of food aid to 12,500 families
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno is contributing 150tonnes of food aid to 12,500 families who need such assistance.
Its chief, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar said that Sabah Umno realised that some people were facing food shortages due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) implementation to combat the spread of Covid-19.
“This is to lighten their burden,” he said, adding that a funding of RM1 million has been prepared for the purpose.
He, however, said that the allocation was not enough due to the sheer number of recipients, but nevertheless he added that during the first phase of the project, they would distribute to families in seven divisions located in Tawau, Kalabakan, Semporna, Silam, Sandakan, Beluran and Batu Sapi.
He added that the distribution would be carried out until all the work had been completed.
He also reminded those involved in the distribution of the food aid that this was a humanitarian aid and must be distributed to all those in need irrespective of their political party, race and religion.
Bung Moktar added that if the need arose, there would be a second phase of the Sabah Umno aid to the people.
Aside from the food aid, Sabah Umno had also been distributing face masks and sanitizer for frontliners, he said.
“We realise that there is shortages in these itineraries,” he said.
He then expressed his gratitude to former Sabah Chief Minister, Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman for his assistance towards Sabah Umno.
At the same time, Bung Moktar also called on the Sabah Umno machinery to be careful when they deliver the aid.
“While we strive to reduce the burden of the people, we must also look after our own safety. Don’t congregate and socialize,” he advised them.
He also urged them to communicate with the committee in charge of each district for the distribution of the food aid.
He also expressed his regrets that many people had continued to ignore the directive by the relevant authority to stay home so that the Covid-19 disease could be contained.
“There are still many people who congregate together and singing. If we are to help the government to stop the spread of the disease, we cannot go out of the house. We must stay at home,” he stressed.
“I say this every day – stay safe at home,” he advised the people to not view the issue lightly and to look at the serious predicament now affecting Italy.
“Even doctors are crying,” he said.
“We don’t want the people to take this lightly. We are looking at an unseen enemy. What is needed is for us to stay at home,” he said this to the media after handing over the food aid to the division heads at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial park (KKIP) in Sepanggar yesterday.
Also present were Sabah Umno deputy chief Datuk Yakub Khan, Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan, and Sabah Umno executive secretary, Datuk Khadzim Yahya.