State govt pledges RM1 mln to China in fight against Covid-19

KUCHING: The Sarawak government has pledged RM1 million to the Chinese Consulate here in support of China’s fight against coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Minister of Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian in announcing this yesterday said the donation was made as a token of support to China for its efforts in fighting the virus.

It is also a token of appreciation for the good bilateral relations between Sarawak and China, he added.

“The chief minister and the cabinet yesterday (Thursday) decided that we will donate RM1 million to China to fight the virus.

“China and Sarawak have a comprehensive relationship, especially, with its three provinces - Yunan, Fujian and Shandong.

“At this difficult time, this token of support symbolises our friendship since the past 46 years. It also shows we are not only friends in good times, but also friends during bad times,” Dr Sim added.

The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president said this when met by reporters after a simple ceremony held at the Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) headquarters in Jalan Pending here yesterday.

Dr Sim also commended China for having spent much in terms of manpower and resources to fight the virus in making the world a safer place.

It is understood the donation was made in response to SFCA’s call asking the people to support China during this difficult time.

Dr Sim thus called on Sarawakians, irrespective of their races and religions, to assist the country in the fight against the virus.

A political secretary to chief minister Tan Kai, SFCA president Dato Richard Wee, and SUPP Batu Kitang branch chairman Lo Khere Chiang were also present at the function.

Three Sarawak organisations - SFCA, Sarawak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and SUPP – on Feb 1 handed over 7,500 pairs of quality gloves to the Chinese Consulate.

Dr Sim on behalf of the SUPP Central Secretariat has also presented a RM20,000 donation to Cheng Guangzhong the China’s consulate general in Kuching.