Press Statement By Julian Tan:
Many eligible recipients of ‘Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance’ (BKSS) programme have yet to receive the cash handouts after their appeal applications. Initially, it is stated heads of household, who are listed as beneficiaries of Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) by the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) in January 2020, are automatically eligible for the Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS), however, this is not the case where many of the BSH somehow are not automatically listed as recipients which prompted for the appeal. Besides heads of households, it is also extended to those that are single, age 21, and above and with a monthly income of less than RM2000. There are also BKSS financial aid for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), micro-enterprises, petty traders and hawkers
We welcome the Sarawak government in its effort to help up those that are affected by the COVID19 outbreak. However, we hope that the government can expedite the aid handout, especially the need to keep the public updated on the status of their applications. We have seen cases where late applicants received their handouts. In contrast, those eligible that applied earlier have yet to receive any news on their application.
According to the Sarawak government website, www.sarawak.gov.my/bkssrayuan, the outcome of the appeal can be checked after the 15th of June. A quick check on the said website today on those that are still waiting, mainly states that the application is still under process and will only be informed once it is done. No estimated time frame was given.
Even with the most welcome financial aids by the government, it is envisaged that many individuals and businesses are still struggling to make ends meet. Liquidity is crucial to every household and business; thus, a quick disbursement of cash handout will no doubt play a significant role in easing the burden. It is, therefore crucial for the government to constantly keep the recipients up to date with information on what and when to expect so they will not be waiting anxiously and wasting precious time to keep on looking for an affirmative answer on the status of their application.
