By Clement Erik Wong & Aina Azizah Yeo
KUCHING: A monthly cash pay-out of RM250 for the B40 group for the next six months was unveiled by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg as part of the state government’s efforts to help those affected by the movement control order (MCO) due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The initiative, Sarawakku Sayang Special Aid, will be distributed to some 430,000 Sarawakians from the low-income category (B40) for the next six months. It will cost the state government a total of RM645 million.
Under the Sarawakku Sayang Special Aid, the Sarawak government has also decided to defer the loan repayments for nine months effective from April to help ease the cash flows of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and lessen their financial burdens. This move will benefit 144 outstanding borrowers of Skim Pinjaman Industri Kecil dan Sederhana (SPIKS) and improve the cash flow of SMEs amounting to RM1.3 million.
On top of the existing RM30 million micro-credit funds, the Sarawak government will offer an additional RM20 million for SMEs to expand their businesses and sustain them.
In a survey by New Sarawak Tribune following the announcement, many members of the public were pleased the state government providing aid to the underprivileged.
Scholar Ceasar Lambong, 25, said the state government deserved a pat on the back for its continuous efforts and initiatives during these hard times.
“With the increased cost of living over the years, such financial aid is welcomed in order to alleviate hardships faced by this group.
“However, while the financial aid may reduce the financial burdens of most people, it might not be enough for some people. Simply put, it might be effective now but not in the long run as the economy is constantly changing at a rapid pace, especially during the Covid-19 outbreak,” he pointed out.
Designer Nuel Deli, 26, believed the aid could help improve the well-being of the B40 group.
“It is good for those people who are unable to work due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The amount spent by the state government to provide RM250 for the B40 group is certainly proportional to the value gained for the well-being of the households.
“In the long term, the state government should have backup policies to further assist those in need,” said Nuel.
He added that economic uncertainty might put pressure on these affected households in the long run.
Student Muhammad Razziq Hasbie, 24, said, “This is a good initiative on the part of the state government. It can certainly lessen the burden of the B40 group.
“If properly utilised, the receiving group can greatly benefit from this effort,” he added.
Trainee Syahmina Shaiful, 25, said the aid could address many issues faced by the B40 group amidst the Covid-19 scare.
“This contribution would greatly help them to pay for the basic necessities, housing payments, education, utilities and health.
“I fully support the state government’s decision to provide for the B40 group as it is very difficult for them to get sufficient incomes, especially in times like these,” she said.
Local cleaning service business owner Leandro Mcrae, 24, welcomed the relief package announced by Abang Johari, adding that it would surely have a huge impact on small businesses affected by the current crisis.
“The repayment delays can help traders who are facing losses.
“In addition, an additional RM20 million to grow and sustain small traders will surely help small traders in these critical times,” he added.
“Buying essential items and food for RM250 can only last a person for about two weeks at the most. What about those with more family members?
“How long will it take for the money to reach their hands? As we know, these people might not have the technology to go online. Some do not even have the means to go to the banks or any places to get their money,” he added.
Owner of a small business Ibrahim Edi, 52, thanked Abang Johari for the aid and said affected entrepreneurs and small business owners welcomed any form of aid because their incomes had been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“A nine-month suspension of loan repayment is also very helpful to them because most of the small traders get their incomes from business sales only,” he added.
Eatery business owner Solma Nawawi, 53, said, “Both forms of aid (Measure 8 and Measure 9) can really support small businesses currently. The temporary closure has affected us financially. The micro-credit scheme will be able to help small business owners like us buy supplies for our businesses.
“The RM250 will help the B40 families buy basic necessities to survive,” she added.
Homemade food business owner Siti Norliza Montol, 32, was glad loan repayments had been suspended for nine months.
“It is indeed a relief for small business owners like me.
“My deepest appreciation and gratitude to Abang Johari even though not everyone of us are among the frontliners who deserve the most help.
“He (Abang Johari) indeed lives up to the late Pehin Seri Adenan Satem’s words, “Jaga bena-bena Sarawak tok“,” she said.
