17.04.2020 (The Star Online) - JOHOR BARU: Johor assemblymen say the RM20,000 state allocation that each received from state government to help the needy during the Covid-19 pandemic is not enough.

Some of them said they had already used up the funds to help those in need.

The funds were allocated as a one-off aid to all 56 assemblymen in Johor.

Bukit Pasir assemblyman Najib Lep said that although he was allocated RM20,000, he had spent double that amount to help some 700 people in his constituency.

“Luckily, we have some NGOs who are going around helping the community.

“This ensures that more people can get the assistance they need, ” he said, adding that he had also given out some items based on the needs of certain individuals, such as diapers for both babies and adults.

Tenggaroh assemblyman K. Raven Kumar said currently the people in his area were mainly concerned about supply of cooking gas.“Many are now doing a lot of cooking at home, and gas cylinders which used to last them a month or two now only lasts a few weeks.

“I am working with the locals to identify those who are in need of gas supply and helping to get it to them, ” he said.

Raven said he had chipped in RM10,000 to the allocation, and so far assisted some 1,000 families.

He added that his team helped by buying vegetables from those in the community who grew their own crops, as this enabled them to get some income.

Johor women, family and community development committee chairman Zaiton Ismail, who is also Sungai Balang assemblyman, said so far nobody in her constituency were facing problems getting food supply.

“I received the allocation on March 16 and used it to give basic necessities to some 160 people besides buying facemasks and hand sanitisers for our frontliners, ” she said.

Zaiton said that the only complaints from constituenst were on not being able to leave their homes.

Johor Jaya assemblyman Liow Cai Tung said the funds were insufficient as only about 400 people received help.

“I was only able to provide for 400 individuals and had to use funds from donations as well as my own money to assist another 100 people, ” she said.

Parit Yani assemblyman Aminolhuda Hassan said he had helped some 520 people in his constituency using the allocation.

“I had to top up another RM5,000 to ensure everyone who needed aid received it, ” he said.

He added that many in his area were facing problems harvesting their produce, such as bananas and palm oil, as well as being unable to earn daily wages.

“These are the people most affected during MCO, and in need of help, ” he said.

Bekok assemblyman Dr S. Ramakrishnan said the Health Ministry (KKM) should not allow political parties to get involved in the distribution of aid and to work with NGOs instead.

“The NGOs have been doing it for a long time and know better when it comes to those who need help, ” he said.

Dr Ramakrishnan added that he had spent all his allocation as well as another RM5,000 to ensure the needy in his area got the necessary aid.

I received the allocation on March 16 and used it to give basic necessities to some 160 people.

Zaiton Ismail

https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2020/04/17/reps-use-up-allocations-to-help-the-needy