Shafie said the peaceful demonstration in Kampung Muhibbah Raya in Tawau recently, where seven people were detained including activists, was a clear sign that the people are angry and frustrated.
He said the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government keeps announcing that food baskets are being prepared and millions allocated for food aid but on the ground, the people are complaining they have not seen “even a grain of rice”.
“Don’t make life any more difficult for those under EMCO. The authorities must ensure those affected anywhere in Sabah get the necessary food aid without delay,” he said in a statement here today.
The Warisan president said the government must act urgently in ensuring people in the EMCO areas get the necessary food aid without delay.
“The authorities can extend opening hours for food outlets or takeaways but as long as the people are barred from getting access to shops and food, then it is as good as starving them.
“We cannot avoid enforcing the EMCO but the people in the affected areas must get food. The state government must show compassion. This is the fasting month,” the Semporna MP said.
The seven people detained in last Saturday’s protest, aged between 26 and 31, claimed the residents’ welfare at Kampung Muhibbah Raya had been neglected.
However, Tawau Municipal Council president Arnold Joibi denied that people in the 20 localities under the EMCO in the district, including Kampung Muhibbah Raya, had not received food aid.
He said 8,752 food baskets had been distributed to 7,372 household heads in the localities since April 1, adding that 540 food baskets were supplied to Kampung Muhibbah Raya.
The detainees, who were among a group of people who protested against the extension of the EMCO at the village, were released on police bail yesterday.
Meanwhile, Shafie said he also heard of complaints that opposition-held areas were deprived of food aid.
He said this should not happen as government funds were involved and should be distributed fairly.
“Stop playing politics and do what you are supposed to do as the government of the day,” he added.
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