THE Kedah government will channel food supplies to residents in four mukim (subdistricts) currently under the administrative enhanced movement control order as a result of the Covid-19 Sivagangga cluster. 

Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the Welfare Department is taking a headcount of families affected for supplies to be disbursed as soon as possible. 

“Kedah is facing a stern challenge; the people are also feeling the pressure, especially those in the affected areas, so the state government will provide food supplies for them as movement is restricted. 

“Based on preliminary information, some 2,000 families are affected, but we will get a more accurate figure with the help of village and community leaders,” he said after chairing the state executive council meeting in Alor Star today. 

The state financial officer has also been directed to conduct a financial impact review for that purpose, besides also applying for aid from the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry. 

Areas currently affected by the administrative EMCO are 1km from Restoran Nasi Kandar Salleh, Pekan Napoh (Mukim Hosba, Kubang Pasu), Kg Pida Satu, Megat Dewa (Mukim Ah, Kubang Pasu), Kg Bendang Dalam (Mukim Binjal, Kubang Pasu) and Kg Ulu, Padang Sanai in Padang Terap. 

Meanwhile, Sanusi said the state government had also received mask contributions from various parties, which will be soon be distributed to affected residents.

“I urge the affected residents to just stay at home, practise good personal hygiene and maintain physical distancing.”

On a related note, he advised those residing elsewhere, especially ones located far from the affected areas, not to take advantage of the situation, especially when it comes to school attendance. 

“We do not want to hear of people in Sik and Baling not sending their children to school for fear of contracting Covid-19, as they are located very far (from affected areas). However, we may consider places located closer to the affected areas, and residents can seek permission from the school management,” he said. – Bernama, August 5, 2020.