KUALA LUMPUR – The Pakatan Harapan cost-of-living committee today said it supports the government’s decision to impose a Phase 1 “total lockdown” on the social and economic sectors for 14 days starting June 1 in a bid to curb Covid-19.
In this regard, the committee, in a statement, proposed several measures to be carried out by Putrajaya, including a one-off financial aid to the B40 and M40 groups, and a three-month loan moratorium.
“We also propose that the government provide rebates on electricity bills, besides ensuring that the supply of essential items is sufficient and there is no increase in the prices of goods.
“The government must also ensure that the delivery of daily necessities to the people is not disrupted, and food baskets reach the needy.”
The committee comprises Hassan Abdul Karim (PKR-Pasir Gudang), Datuk Hassanuddin Mohd Yunus (Amanah-Hulu Langat), Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Stampin), Natrah Ismail (PKR-Sekijang), V. Sivakumar (DAP-Batu Gajah), Chan Foong Hin (DAP-Kota Kinabalu) and Cha Kee Chin (DAP-Rasah).
Yesterday, a special meeting of the National Security Council on the management of the coronavirus pandemic agreed to impose the lockdown.
The Prime Minister’s Office, in a statement, said the decision was reached after taking into account the latest Covid-19 situation in Malaysia, which saw daily cases exceeding 8,000 for the first time yesterday. – Bernama, May 29, 2021
