PUTRAJAYA’S directive prohibiting civil society and volunteer organisations from directly distributing aid is meant to protect them from Covid-19, said Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The senior minister said the government issued the order after receiving advice from the Health Ministry.

“We would like to thank them for their contribution. Civil society groups are among the first to help whenever there is a crisis.

“However, in this case, we were advised by the Health Ministry to prohibit volunteers from giving aid directly (to the needy) because we do not want them to get infected.

“I know many are not happy with the decision, but this is for their own safety. They can still send food and supplies to designated centres in each district,” he said in his daily press conference on the movement-control order.

The decision announced yesterday was met with an outcry, as volunteers and activists fear that aid will not reach those not registered with the Welfare Department.

Ismail Sabri had said civil society and volunteer groups would have to send food and essential items to Welfare Department offices in each district, and the aid would be distributed by Rela officers or Civil Defence Force personnel.

Meanwhile, 127 civil groups, in a statement today, urged Putrajaya to allow them to continue their work with all the necessary precautions taken.

“We certainly appreciate the gravity of the Covid-19 situation, and are fully committed to assist the government in every possible way to battle Covid-19 and stop the spread of the virus.

“We plead to the government to allow all civil groups that have been distributing food, medicines and other aid to be allowed to continue doing so in a way that is safe and responsible, in full cooperation with the government, and in accordance with the health and safety guidelines of the government.” – March 29, 2020.