‘People need aid, not RM200mil projects’

KENINGAU: Some leaders here are questioning the allocation of RM200 million for infrastructure development projects as announced by the State Government in the Covid-19 Assistance Stimulus Package recently.They described the allocation as not at all related to the Covid-19 outbreak in the State.

They demanded that the allocation be distributed to lighten the burden of people badly affected by the Movement Control Order (MCO) due to the Covid-19 pandemic from March 18 to April 14.

A politician and community activist from Sook, Ramian Ayub, said the package announced by the Chief Minister was more in line with the State Government’s efforts to help ease the burden of people affected by the MCO.

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“The RM200 million allocation for infrastructure projects should be given to people as aid because most of them, especially in the rural areas, are largely dependent on agriculture and small businesses.

“It would be sufficient if the allocation is channelled towards assisting those affected by the MCO,” he said.

Retired teacher Yazid Mohd Hasnan Tawik said the allocation for infrastructure had nothing to do with Covid-19.

“Is Covid-19 damaging and affecting the infrastructure? This allocation should be cancelled and distributed to the people who are desperately in need of help,” he said.

Former Melalap community development leader Simon Mamat said the allocation for infrastructure during times of cricis like this was not relevant.

“What the people need now is adequate assistance. The Government should focus more on helping the people who are suffering,” he said.

Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star Sabah) Tulid Division Chief Charles Ikang said the allocation should be better used to help people in need.

A farmer from the Sook area, Albert G. Modingal, said the Covid-19 aid allocation did not represent the true purpose and goal of helping those affected by the MCO.

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“The problem in our country right now is the Covid-19 outbreak rather than infrastructure. Infrastructure development is important but efforts to combat the Covid-19 outbreak should be given priority,” he said.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal had announced a RM670 million aid package to help reduce the negative impact of Covid-19 on the people of Sabah.

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