PUTRAJAYA has received RM22.66 million in donations to fight Covid-19 from the public as well as the private sector since it was set up on March 11, senior minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced today.

“All funds contributed must be registered with the Finance Ministry for tax exemption,” he said at a press conference today.

In the first phase of disbursement, Yayasan Kebajikan Negara (YKN) will be given RM5.68 million to help those in areas under the enhanced movement-control order (EMCO).

Another RM9.06 million will be allocated to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry and the YKN in the second phase, said Ismail Sabri, who is also the defence minister.

On March 11, the government launched a special fund to provide financial aid to those directly affected by the Covid-19 outbreak.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said for a start, RM1 million had been channelled into the fund to help the unemployed.

Ministers have also contributed to the fund after the press conference where it was launched.

Muhyiddin also said in a statement on March 26 that all ministers and their deputies will contribute two months’ salary to the Covid-19 fund.

Their pay will be deducted automatically and channelled to the fund. – April 8, 2020.