KUCHING: It is hoped that massage parlours operated by people with disabilities (OKU) would be entitled to receive the RM1,500 grant under the Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS) 6.0, said Isak Ngau.
The Society for the Blind Malaysia (Sarawak) chairman commended the state government’s generosity in the aid package.
However, he noted that OKU business operators’ applications for the grant were declined in BKKS 5.0 last year.
“We are very grateful with our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s recent announcement for BKSS 6.0. It surely provides a sense of relief to OKU B40 families and single individuals who will receive RM250 and RM500 one-off respectively as well as the addition of RM250 in allowance for disabled workers (EPC) under the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
“With regard to the assistance of RM1,500 for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), will businesses operated by the OKU group be entitled to receive this as well? Based on the experience from last year, their applications were declined and viewed as unqualified.
“I hope that the 18 massage parlours operated by the OKU group will be given this grant because it will help to ease their burden. Moreover, it will prevent their business from shutting down as it provides employment opportunities for the OKU community,” he said in a statement yesterday (May 30).
He also hoped that the OKU group would be given special focus in the aid package.
“I hope the state government would consider giving a RM500 one-off assistance to the OKU registered with the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and an additional top-up of RM150 assistance received from JKM throughout this Covid-19 pandemic. This is as stated in the memorandum that was submitted to the chief minister during our recent engagement,” he said.
The presidents of Persatuan Anak Istimewa Sarawak (Perais), Rapelson Richard Hamit, and Persatuan Insan Istimewa Daro dan Matu (Idam), Antonie Zawie, also supported this, he added.
