Johor reps to get extra RM2.8mil in aid to fight pandemic

Datuk Hasni Mohammad. -filepic

JOHOR BARU: The state government has agreed to allocate RM2.8mil in additional aid to all 56 assemblymen to help fight the Covid-19 pandemic, says Datuk Hasni Mohammad.

The Mentri Besar said managing the pandemic was a huge challenge and that the views and involvement of every quarter, including all elected representatives, were welcomed in ensuring the state’s prosperity.

“I am hopeful that with the involvement of every MP and assemblyman, it can help us to disseminate accurate information related to the state government’s efforts to deal with the pandemic.

“For this purpose, we will allocate additional aid of RM50,000 each to all assemblymen, ” he said in a statement after chairing a special virtual meeting with all state elected representatives, including MPs, yesterday.

This was the second time in less than a year that all 56 assemblymen received an allocation of RM50,000 each to help face the pandemic.

In his winding up of the state Budget 2021 in December last year, Hasni announced a one-off aid to the state assemblymen.

Yesterday’s meeting was held following a decree made by Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar last week for the state government to find ways to curb the pandemic.

Hasni said all elected representatives unanimously supported the state government’s suggestion to strengthen the role of district officers, land district administrators and local council presidents to tackle Covid-19, especially in terms of enforcement.

He also said the state government was planning another economic stimulus package to help ease the people’s burden following the stricter movement control order.

“Various initiatives and aid have been given out to help those affected and these efforts will be strengthened, including setting aside RM10mil for the food basket programme, ” he said.

On a separate matter, Hasni said they would work closely with the Health Ministry and the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry to ensure that the vaccination process was carried out fast, safely and effectively.