SARAWAK has allocated another RM16.4 million to its economic stimulus package to feed the poor, homeless and unemployed.

Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg said the topping up of its RM1.15 billion Sayangku Sarawak economic stimulus package which he announced on Monday, was to provide food for the poor, including the urban poor, the homeless and those who are unemployed or have lost their job due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

On the question of food security, he told reporters after visiting two supermarkets in Kuching this afternoon, that the state has directed all food distribution outlets, including stores in rural areas, to have at least three months of stock of essential food items – rice, flour, salt, vegetables and cooking oil. 

He said the stores should also stock liquefied petroleum gas cylinders.

Abang Johari said with the disruption caused to the food supply chain by the movement control order,  he is now enlisting the assistance of the military, the Fire and Rescue Department and other state and federal agencies to transport food to remote areas, like Baram and Pulau Bruit.

“Speed is the essence. We need to send this food as quickly as possible.”

He said supplies will be airlifted  if there are no roads to these rural settlements. 

The cost of the transport will be borne by the state government. 

Deputy Chief Minister Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, who is chair of the food supply sub-committee of the state security committee, said stores across the state have been requested to increase the frequency of orders to meet the 3-month stockpile. – March 28, 2020.