PDP heaps praise on incentives

KUCHING: The RM1.15-billion Sarawakku Sayang Special Aid Package announced by the state government on Monday should be helpful for mitigating the harmful effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the state’s economy.

Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Women’s chief Datuk Chiew Yen Chew was hopeful in this respect because the aid package is balanced and business-centric.

“We are now dealing with an economy, work and social life devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic which is paralyzing the progress of our economy and society.

“The injection of that big sum of money via 16 proactive measures will certainly relieve the hardship of many Sarawakians,” she said.

In relation to comments that some people would like the government to include some form of cash incentives as subsidies during this difficult time, she said that while aid might not ease all hardships in the months ahead, it is nevertheless a very supportive, meaningful and caring package for the vulnerable groups including the frontliners in the fight against the pandemic.

For the small-medium enterprises, Chiew said the package should help keep them afloat. This is especially true of hawkers and small-time traders.