KOTA KINABALU: The Kinabalu Mountain Guides Association is hoping that assistance announced under the Prihatin Rakyat Economic Stimulus Package, by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today, will reach the targeted people accordingly.
In welcoming the announcement, its deputy chairman Richard Soibi said the stimulus package, also known as Prihatin showed that the government was concerned of the people's wellbeing amid the coronavirus uncertainty.
"I am sure many of the assistance spelled out by the PM will benefit our members and those who are badly affected by Covid-19. It will definitely help us to get through these tough times.
"I only hope the assistance will be channelled accordingly and reaches the targeted groups," he said when contacted.
Soibi said many mountain guides and porters depended on the mountain and tourism in general for their livelihood.
He said many have lost their source of income following the Movement Control Order (MCO).
He also noted that villagers were unable to sell their produce due to lack of customers.
"We are also thankful of the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal for providing RM300 to those affected.
"With the latest stimulus package from federal government, I also hope government officials will guide villagers especially in rural areas on how to get access to the aid," he said.
Meanwhile, 29-year-old Arnold Liew expressed his gratitude to the prime minister for continuing to care for both the youth and senior citizens.
Liew, who works as a e-hailing driver in Kota Kinabalu, said his siblings have always chipped in to help care for their parents.
"However, with the current situation, my siblings and I have not had proper income. So, I am grateful that there are many assistance we can benefit from and for my parents too, as they are both pensioners.
"My two siblings can also get RM200 one-off payment as they are currently in university. I hope the assistance will be distributed accordingly," he said.