Last February, the government gave out RM100,000 each to opposition assemblymen to help their constituents who were facing difficulties due to Covid-19.

DAP’s Luyang assemblyman Phoong Jin Zhe said this lockdown, which is similar to the first movement control order (MCO), will have far-reaching consequences for the people.

“Underprivileged families and senior citizens, who are staying alone, would be affected the most during the lockdown.

“I call upon the state government to put aside political differences and approve special allocations for all elected representatives.

“This is to allow all of them to distribute food aid in their respective constituencies and also to promote the vaccination programme,” he said when contacted.

Last February, chief minister Hajiji Noor had announced that the 31 opposition elected representatives in the state would get a special allocation of RM100,000 each to help their constituents during Covid-19.

He said the funds would involve a total of RM3.1 million, which would be channelled to opposition assemblymen through their respective district offices.

When asked if he thought GRS should allocate a higher amount this time round, Phoong said he would leave that to the Sabah government.

“But I also think the state government should extend other allocations like the RM100,000 hardship assistance for the poor, which is only channelled to government assemblymen,” he said.

The nationwide lockdown will come into effect from June 1 to June 14.

Under the total lockdown, only the essential economic and services sectors are allowed to operate.

Phoong also urged the Sabah government to conduct swab tests proactively, especially in rural areas and to target undocumented migrants.

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