IPOH: The state government today announced incentives for the Orang Asli community, as well as the unsung heroes comprising cleaners, rubbish collectors and grass-cutters, to help cushion the Covid-19 economic impact.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said financial incentive of RM300 would be distributed to 2,600 odd-job workers as well as enforcement officers, and the payment would be given thrice.
“A total of RM780,000 has been allocated for this incentive. No one will be left behind. They are also our frontliners and unsung heroes who have been working tirelessly to contribute to the country,” he said in a special address with Perakfm radio here today.
Concern over the loss of income or jobs during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, Ahmad Faizal said the state government had also allocated RM800,000 for Food Boxes to 13,000 Orang Asli families.
“The assistance was channelled through Land and District Office and it benefitted up to 13,000 Orang Asli families in Perak,” he said, adding that in total, the state government had allocated RM1.6 million of Food Boxes in the state.
Ahmad Faizal said a total of RM493,000 would be allocated to assist 986 Village Community Management Council chairman (MPKK) who were affected during the state government transition.
“During this hard time, they continue doing their work and assist those in need. To appreciate their effort, RM500 will be given to them regardless of political affiliations,” he said.
Ahmad Faizal said the state government had allocated RM651,000 to buy various equipment and meals to support two quarantine stations in the state — Kolej Sains Kesihatan Bersekutu (KSKB) Sultan Azlan Shah in Tanjung Rambutan, and Institut Latihan Statistik Malaysia (ILSM) in Sungkai.
For the petty traders and hawkers who have registered with local government, Ahmad Faizal said the state government had extended the assistance to 12,413 individuals who would be receiving a one-off RM500 payment.
Ahmad Faizal added that an additional RM20,000 would be given to all the 59 assemblymen to help constituents in their respective areas whose livelihood had been affected by the enforcement of MCO.
“Equally distributed, no differences. I hope the allocation will be used to help the people. Let us rise above politics and serve the people in this difficult time,” he added.