GEORGE TOWN – Penang today announced RM10.8 million in aid for five targeted groups to help them tide over the current hardships brought on by the pandemic.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the assistance will come under the Phase 3 of the Penang People's Aid Package.
The five target groups are hawkers, trishaw pedallers, school-canteen operators, barbers and state assemblymen and MPs.
Chow said the state government will provide a special one-off payout of RM500 to licenced hawkers and those registered with local authorities, as well as Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) traders.
“It is estimated that 14,712 hawkers and traders will receive this benefit with an allocation of RM7.35 million."
A one-off payout of RM200 will be given to trishaw operators, involving 288 people with an allocation of RM57,600, Chow said in a statement today.
A total of 462 registered school-canteen operators will get a one-off RM500 payout at an estimated allocation of RM231,000.
A RM500 payout will also be given to barbers, beauty salons and spas, as well as reflexology centres.
This involves 2,929 licenced traders at an estimated allocation of RM1.4 million.
"The state government will also accord a special allocation of RM30,000 to all 59 state assemblymen, state government MPs, elected representatives, coordinating officers and special parliamentary coordinating officers to assist those in need immediately," he said.
Last week, the Penang government approved its third financial relief package to prepare for the implementation of MCO 2.0.
The Penang People's Aid Package 2.0, involving RM76 million, is also aimed at strengthening the state economy after the implementation of the MCO.
The announcement brings the total allocation for Covid-19 assistance approved by the state government to RM155.5 million. – The Vibes, January 21, 2021
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