KOTA KINABALU – The distribution of much-needed food aid to Sabahans hit hard by the pandemic is a mess, said sources in the new government.
The Vibes has learnt that no ministry has been put in charge of food-basket distribution, and that a key cabinet meeting on the matter will be held tomorrow.
Last night, state Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun was appointed Sabah’s temporary spokesman on Covid-19, but he has said the distribution of food baskets does not fall within his scope of duties.
“The cabinet is still trying to figure out who will take charge of distributing the aid,” a source from within the 13-day-old Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government told The Vibes on condition of anonymity.
“Although the highest authority lies in the government, the bulk of the responsibility has fallen on the state secretary, Datuk Safar Untong.”
On tomorrow’s cabinet meeting, which is expected to be carried out via teleconferencing, he said: “The names of two ministers have been floated. One, Masidi, and the other is Shahelmy Yahya, who helms the state Community Development Ministry.
“It will likely be Shahelmy, as the Welfare Department is under his ministry. So, he will be instructed to ensure that the distribution of aid is carried out without a hitch.”
Safar, when contacted, said the distribution of food aid will be done by the Welfare Department, police, People’s Volunteer Corps and Health Department in accordance with the chief minister’s circular dated October 9.
Asked about issues in the distribution process, he said: “You have to check with the district officers and municipal council presidents.”
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor, who is hospitalised with Covid-19, has announced a RM10 million allocation for food baskets for districts under the targeted enhanced movement control order, namely Semporna, Tawau, Lahad Datu and Kunak.
RM2 million has been set aside for the same purpose for each district under the conditional movement control order (CMCO), namely Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Putatan, Tuaran and Papar. The order will take effect in Kota Belud, too, beginning tomorrow.
Checks by The Vibes found that food distribution in the CMCO districts has yet to take place.
In Penampang, a senior Welfare Department officer said food baskets will arrive only tomorrow.
“The items will not be sent to the district office first. They will go straight to the local community halls to be distributed.”
Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Nordin Siman, too, believes that aid will arrive only tomorrow.
“It is still being processed. We target Wednesday as the earliest for distribution. We are now in the acquisition process.”
Sandakan Municipal Council president Wong Tin Foo shares the same view.
In Tawau, Bersatu’s Apas assemblyman has started distributing food baskets. – The Vibes, October 12, 2020
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