Ismail Sabri: Stop playing politics and focus on helping people instead

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has called for all the parties and political party leaders to put their efforts into helping the people who are heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic instead of politicking.

He noted that as the Covid-19 confirmed cases are still on the rise, political parties should stand together in fighting against the pandemic.

In a visit to the Kerinchi People’s Housing Project (PPR) which is currently under the enhanced movement control order (EMCO), Ismail Sabri said that with the current pandemic situation, party leaders must put a stop to playing politics as the people of the country is in desperate need for help and support, not only from the government but also from political parties, so we need to help the people.

He added that helping the people must be the priority especially now that they are facing these difficulties, while also coming up with strategies to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic which should involve and be supported by everyone.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun is also in attendance.

The Kerinchi PPR was placed under the EMCO starting from July 3 until July 16.

Ismail Sabri also mentioned that over 500,000 food baskets worth more than RM50 million had been disseminated through the Social Welfare Department (JKM) since January in order to give assistance to the people affected by the Covid-19.

He said that the government had allocated RM100 million which includes RM100 contribution per person to about 300,000 people which would be distributed from this month to September under the Kasih Prihatin Program.

He added that despite this being a cashless assistance, the recipients would be able to come to the selected stores with over 300 retail partners with their identity card as the only requirement and they can get items worth RM100 for free, on top of the food basket assistance.

According to him, states Islamic religious councils as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also provided food aid and essential items to the people in need aside from the assistance given by the government. Therefore, Ismail Sabri urged any party who needs help or ran out of food, to contact the JKM operations room in their respective districts which is open 24 hours, and the MP service centers for assistance.