GEORGE TOWN: Penang has approved RM1.04 million to help the needy in the state whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by Covid-19.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state executive council gave the approval for the allocation.
“The approval, which takes immediate effect, is in addition to the financial assistance announced before this through the state elected representatives for their respective constituents.
“As such, those who need any assistance, whether food or others, can get in touch with their elected representatives,” he said.
Malaysians have in recent days taken to social media with the #benderaputih movement, calling those in need of food or essentials to raise a white flag outside their homes.
By informing others of their condition, people who live nearby would be able to help.
Currently, Malaysia is still in Phase One of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), with only essential economic and services sectors allowed to operate.
Phase One, initially scheduled to end on June 28, has been extended as the number of Covid-19 cases in the country has not dropped below the threshold value of 4,000 daily cases for several consecutive days, which is required before the country can move to the next phase.
Meanwhile, Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said he disagreed with the act of raising the white flag outside homes to inform others of the hardship faced by the household.
“The Mufti Department feels that such an act is unnecessary as it (raising the white flag) shows that one has given up hope.
“For Muslims, we need to understand that the act of giving up when facing any hardship is prohibited,” he said, adding there were other ways that people can do when they want to get help.
He said people can get assistance from the federal and state governments, as well as religious agencies such as the zakat arm, state welfare departments, government-linked companies and private companies.
Wan Salim also urged for more intensive and aggressive efforts by various quarters to help the needy during the pandemic.- The Star