CORONAVIRUS | The Health Ministry yesterday decided that the heads of department will be given the authority to assess more thoroughly the eligibility requirements and the process of granting the special allowances to officers and health personnel.

Minister Dr Adham Baba said the decision was to facilitate the process of granting the special allowance.

Currently, there are differences in terms of determining who is eligible to receive the special allowance at health facilities nationwide.

“In recognition of the sacrifices and unwavering commitment of the officers and health personnel involved, the ministry has decided to facilitate the granting of special allowances by delegating the power to the heads of department to evaluate more thoroughly.

“The improvements will be announced in the near future,” he said in a statement this evening.

Recently, the media reported allegations of certain parties questioning the criteria and the conditions for granting the special allowance from RM400 to RM600 per month as announced by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on March 27.

The allowance was paid on April 1 and will be given until the outbreak ends.

Adham said the ministry was concerned and always took note of views of all parties received through various channels, including social media.

In this regard, he hoped that the issue of special allowance would be resolved as best as possible to ensure the ministry remained focused and that health officials and staff remain strong and support each other in efforts to address and curb the spread of Covid-19.

- Bernama 

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