KOTA KINABALU – The Sabah government has been urged to aid residents at the Vista Minintod low-cost apartments in Penampang following a 14-day enhanced movement control order (EMCO) there from today to June 29.
Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang in a statement today said most of the tenants are daily wage earners working as e-hailing drivers, deliverymen, and supermarket and saloon employees.
“Please take special measures for daily wage earners and the vulnerable B40 group.
“As Vista Minintod residents enter the first day of EMCO, many are worried of what their financial situation will be like following a two-week lockdown.”
There are 1,164 units in the 18-block Vista Minintod apartment building.
Local residents’ association chairman Zainuddin Mohammad Ibrahim told The Vibes that a two-week lockdown means a loss of income for many families living in the building.
“In addition, vulnerable groups, such as single parents, senior citizens and the disabled, could only hope for food aid to be channelled to them to lessen their burden during the period.”
Penampang assistant district officer Stanley Sikolis said the state government is in the midst of arranging food aid for affected residents.
Additional aid from assemblymen, non-governmental organisations or the public are also welcome, he added.
In response, Jannie said her office has set aside RM5,000 worth of food items to replenish the Kapayan food bank.
She added that her office will give out 1,000 food packs to residents in lockdown areas in Penampang soon.
“I call on the authorities to carry out the necessary swab tests on residents as soon as possible and take measures to break the Covid-19 infection chain in Vista Minintod.”
The EMCO has been imposed on two apartment complexes near Penampang and Kota Kinabalu – Vista Minintod and Country Heights Apartment. – The Vibes, June 16, 2021
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