KUCHING: The implementation of Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS) 8.0 shows that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government really cares about the people’s welfare as pledged in the coalition’s manifesto in the recent state election, says Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
“Extending such assistance will help to ease the burden of those who are adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the B40 group,” said the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president when contacted on Friday (Jan 28).
Meanwhile, PBB Women chief Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah pointed out that even though some of the measures under BKSS 8.0 were not in the form of cash assistance, it would still help and ease the cost of daily living.
“For registered small traders and hawkers, there is a one-off grant of RM1,000,” she noted.
She said the implementation of BKSS 8.0 was proof that the GPS government was a concerned and caring one.
PBB Youth chief Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said BKSS 8.0 was the GPS government’s initiative to ease the burden of Sarawakians affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, especially sole proprietors and small businesses, which include the youth.
He thus urged these parties to register through the local councils and Sarawak Pay in order to be able to receive the one-off grant of RM1,000 for hawkers and petty traders.
“Personally, I hope that assistance could also be given to B40 families and singles that have been affected by the pandemic,” he said.
Earlier on Friday, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the seven measures under the BKSS 8.0 package worth RM285.47 million, with these initiatives aimed at reducing the burden of the people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
