KUCHING: Recipients of Food Basket assistance in Sarawak, under the National Peopleâs Well-Being and Economic Recovery Package (Pemulih), described the initiative as very helpful when faced with life challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
One of the recipients, Beko Sikip, 53, said that the aid had somewhat eased the burden of his family, affected by Covid-19 since the pandemic hit the country more than a year ago.
Beko, who is self-employed and has two children who are studying in Kuala Lumpur, said that the food basket was enough for his family to use for a month.
Another recipient, Jenny Jap Ah Moi, 57, a clerk at a private company, said that the food basket assistance, which includes basic foods such as rice, sugar and biscuits, can certainly ease the burden of those in need.
âMany are losing their jobs at the moment, so this food basket is among assistance needed by those in need,â she said when contacted by Bernama today.
Under Pemulih, announced by the government on June 28, a total of RM300,000 is allocated to each MP, including those from the opposition, to implement Food Basket assistance to affected groups in their respective constituencies.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, when announcing the initiative, explained that the move was taken because the government was aware of the importance of basic necessities for the people, and put aside political differences in delivering aid.
A housewife, Freda Galing, 62, said that the assistance may seem insignificant for some people, but for those whose income has been affected or lost their source of income due to Covid-19, the assistance is very meaningful.
She said that rural residents, who were mostly self-employed or had small businesses, were very appreciative of the assistance.
âWe also donât know how long this pandemic will last, and this kind of assistance really helps the villagers and those living in the interior,â she said. â Bernama
