THE government has allocated RM12.2 million to provide food for 74,530 university students who are stranded in their hostels during the movement control order, said Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The senior minister said this includes public and private universities, matriculation colleges, community colleges and teachers training institutes nationwide.

“On how it is to be implemented, and on the types of food, we leave that to the universities and institutes,” he told a press conference today.

The defence minister also said the country has enough food for the duration of the MCO.

“We have adequate food supply, in fact, we have more than two weeks, which is the duration of the MCO period.

“Also the government has allowed those involved in the food sector to work during the MCO.

“This means fishermen and farmers can continue to work as usual.”

Ismail said the government has also allowed the transportation of food so that there is no disruption in services.

He also said the government was in talks with mask makers to ensure the price of this item does not shoot up.

“The ceiling price for facemask will be brought down. It won’t be RM2 as announced previously.

“We will be announcing a new price soon,” he said.

The nation has entered the sixth day under MCO today, aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19.

Malaysia has recorded 1,306 cases as of yesterday, with 11 deaths. – March 23, 2020.