No ‘diversion’ of food aid meant for Sibu Jaya flats — SRDC
SIBU: Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) deputy chairman Robert Lau yesterday denied that the council had ‘ diverted’ food aid meant for Sibu Jaya flat residents for other purposes.
He said an allegation being shared on messaging platforms claimed that some families, during the distribution of food to the residents on Monday, received only one or two trays of eggs, while others were given just five eggs.
“The items were donated by a Good Samaritan who has many employees staying at the flats there. It was decided to give (the food) to each household instead of screening to see who needs it most.
“It was also decided that there should be no delay in distributing the food as many of them have been without work for two weeks, so the distribution was done in Sibu Jaya instead of routing it through Sibu Resident’s Office and this was agreed to by the office,” he said.
Lau added that each of the 20 flat blocks sent a representative to collect the items on behalf of their respective residents.
He also denied that the event was political in nature, stressing that he had been asked by a representative of Sarawak Dayak
National Union ( SDNU) Sibu Jaya to give a speech on behalf of the donor as the la er did not want to speak.
“During the short speech, there were no words about politics, much less about Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“This had nothing to do with GPS or political parties. It was not an SRDC event or initiative.”
Lau added that representatives from the district office and Welfare Department had also spoken during the event to thank the sponsor and also to inform flat residents that the government would also be assisting them later.
On the alleged uneven distribution of eggs, he said some did not receive any as only half the donated amount was supplied.
“I am not sure when the supplier can deliver or how it is to be distributed later. But that is not the point. The point is in these trying times, when there are groups of people who need help – any help is very much appreciated.
“I sincerely thank the Good Samaritan for acting immediately and sponsoring the rations,” Lau said, while calling on those who need help to get in touch with the district office and Welfare Department.
“You can also message me privately and I’ll see what I can do,” he added.
The items were donated by a Good Samaritan who has many employees staying at the flats there. It was decided to give (the food) to each household instead of screening to see who needs it most. Robert Lau