Minister explains how RM40.3m in Covid-19 fund being spent
The government’s Covid-19 fund has collected RM40.3 million thus far and has been disbursed to Malaysians medically and financially affected by the virus.
Called Tabung Covid-19, Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced today that RM25,229,105.44 from it has been given to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry’s Yayasan Kebajikan Negara.
The government’s Covid-19 fund has collected RM40,298,699.49 million thus far and portions have been disbursed to Malaysians medically and financially affected by the virus.
Called Tabung Covid-19, Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced today that RM25,229,105.44 (62 percent) from it has been given to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry’s Yayasan Kebajikan Negara.
Meanwhile, RM335,000 has been distributed under the Bantuan Ihsan Kematian scheme to 71 next-of-kin of those who passed away from Covid-19.
Each of the 71 received RM5,000.
The government has also channelled RM125,700 from the fund to 94 individuals whose incomes were affected as a result of Covid-19 quarantine or treatment.
Called the Bantuan Khas Hilang Pendapatan scheme, each received RM100 per day for the duration of their quarantine or treatment.
“This is for those who were treated because they were Covid-19 positive or (quarantined) because they were close contacts of Covid-19 patients.
“Only Malaysians qualify for this aid. The first group are those with a job who have lost their source of income or have not been paid for the duration of their Health Ministry-ordered 14-day quarantine.
“The second group are those with a job who have lost their source of income or have not been paid for the duration they were warded in hospital for Covid-19 treatment,” Ismail explained.
Based on the minister's explanation, RM14,608,894 remains in the fund.
Childcare SOP soon
Meanwhile, Ismail said a “more detailed” standard operating procedure (SOP) for childcare centres is still in the works.
The government previously announced that childcare centres were allowed to open along with the relaxing of rules for workplaces but the Health Ministry has expressed concern over allowing young children to congregate.
“The ministry will discuss this with the Welfare Department and release a detailed SOP to ensure the safety of the children at childcare centres,” Ismail said.
As for whether congregational prayers like Friday prayers would be allowed, the minister said a decision will be announced once the National Security Council and cabinet agree on it.
He was also asked about reports that some homecoming Malaysians had caused damage to the hotel rooms in which they were undergoing compulsory quarantine.
“Everyone, no matter who, is subject to compulsory quarantine rules and laws. If they breach the hotel’s rules [...] the hotel has the power to take action against them,” he said.
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