CIVIL society groups and the Sabah government should work hand-in-hand to battle the Covid-19 pandemic in the state, groups said, amid complaints that the newly elected state government was slow in distributing aid after changing political appointments.

There are different groups in need, from stateless people to other needy people, whom civil society groups have been helping by providing medical supplies and basic necessities during the current conditional movement-control order (CMCO).

However, delivery of aid has been delayed due to the termination of all community developers, village management council, urban committees, district heads, native chiefs, native chief representatives and village chiefs by the new Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government.

The GRS coalition, led by new Chief Minister Hajiji Md Noor from Bersatu, won the Sabah elections on September 26.

Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin said aid distribution to the needy should not become victim to politics.

“The new government terminated all grassroots community-based leaders too quickly right after coming to power. Even though they are political appointments, we should work hand-in-hand to battle Covid-19,” Chan said.

Under the previous Warisan-led state government, community-led welfare and development units known by the acronym UPPM, which were under the chief minister’s department, were responsible for delivering aid in each state seat.

The head of the UPPM is a political appointment.

Chan said aid distribution now is done by the local council and state and federal agencies.

Shahrizal Denci from Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) said travel restrictions under the CMCO are also not favourable for doing community work.

“Currently, Muda is setting up a Muda Bantuan Petani, helping farmers send their harvested vegetables to homes since they cannot move about. The new youth-based political party has also set up Geng Muda to help with aid and welfare.

“One of the hassles we face is that we need to apply for an inter-district travel permit daily, which forces us to rush our deliveries within the day itself, from Kundasang to Kota Kinabalu.

“If the authorities would allow the permit to be extended to a period of five consecutive days, for example, that would be helpful for us.”

Shahrizal also said the change of government had created some delays.

“There are new people in charge, and it takes time for them to adjust to the role and to catch up with the situation in Sabah.”

Muda has also collaborated with Persatuan Tunas Usahawan Sabah and Borneo Komrad and managed to collect RM10,000 from public donations.

“We are channelling these funds to help another 100 families who are affected by this pandemic, especially stateless communities.”

Muda has helped purchase cabinets for the Menggatal health clinic Covid-19 testing area so health workers can store their medical gear and not have to travel into the clinic to collect personal protective equipment (PPE).

Shahrizal said Muda volunteers are also taking precautions as the number of Covid-19 cases in Sabah increases.

“Right now, we do not really know who is infected and who is not, and the places alter and change so quickly from being a green zone to yellow and then red.”

Borneo Komrad activist and Sekolah Alternatif educator Mukmin Nantang said more quarantine centres should be set up in inland and coastal areas.

“Right now, the centres are limited to a single location that is inconvenient for rural folks to access. One alternative is to use their villages as a quarantine venue.”

Borneo Komrad has about 50 people in six districts – Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu and Kinabatangan.

In the last two weeks, they have given out up to 800 food packs, and estimate to reach 1,500 food packs by this weekend.

So far, they have collected between RM40,000 and RM50,000 through public donations throughout the CMCO and also received food packages and donations from both agencies and companies.

“The government needs to step up in terms of aid to the people. Though public donations and active help are being done by various civil society groups, they should also work hard as hospitals still need assistance.”

Another active group is Basel Christian Church of Malaysia Kota Kinabalu (BCCM KK), which is engaged in a food assistance programme and tailoring PPEs for healthcare workers in Sabah.

“The new Sabah government announced RM50 million to help with food baskets.

“However, from the ground, we heard from several different people saying that they have not received the food baskets,” said Pastor Renny Khoo.

Khoo said the government should look into its delivery machinery and how it could reach the needy who are unable collect the aid at district offices.

He said Basel Church has also expanded its aid to the east coast of Sabah after realising the great needs there.

“The situation is dire and heartbreaking as the people are enduring post-election fatigue, the worsening pandemic situation and economic downturn.”

The church recently began appealing for public donations, too, with the aim of collecting RM200,000.

“This is for the PPEs, if the amount overflows, we will top up for food assistance on the east coast,” said Khoo.

The different groups said, however, that it is inspiring to see people from different races, religions and backgrounds coming forth to help. – October 21, 2020.