Channelled through 14 ministries and state governments, this sum includes RM1 billion to the health ministry, RM250 million to National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and RM247 million to the home ministry.

In a statement today, Tengku Zafrul said the health ministry channelled an additional RM44 million to Sabah due to the rise in cases in the state, with the money going towards providing personal protective equipment (PPE), medical supplies and equipment such as beds, breathing aids and ventilators.

“The government will not hesitate to increase financial allocation if necessary, especially to meet the needs of frontliners or frontline staff,” he said.

He said the government, through the National Security Council (MKN), had also recently approved an additional allocation of RM50 million to Nadma to support its efforts in stemming the spread of the pandemic.

“The government is also very touched by the public’s donations in the form of cash, food and health equipment meant to aid the country’s fight against Covid-19,” Tengku Zafrul said, referring to the health ministry’s Covid-19 fund which was reactivated on Oct 16 at the request of various parties following the recent surge in cases.

The minister said the government has received a total of RM44.7 million in the form of donations from individuals, businesses and various organisations through the fund, with RM33.1 million used for the purchase of PPE and medical equipment to date.

Urging all parties to work together in dealing with fake news which gives the public the wrong impression about the pandemic, Tengku Zafrul said the country should be focused on protecting lives and ensuring the survival of businesses.

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