MIRI: Meeting the requirements of the RM500 cash aid as announced in Budget 2012 for households earning less than RM3,000 per month is a Herculean task of sorts for natives in the interior of Sarawak.
For instance, the simple task of enclosing a photo copy of their MyKad is a tough nut to crack because most longhouses do not have photocopying equipment.
Former Baram district councillor Anthony Lawai Karing told thesundaypost that while the authorities could resolve this issue by bringing such equipment to the rural areas, they should realise that some longhouses did not have electricity!
“So, a more practical approach would be to get rural villagers to meet at a specific centre to complete the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M),” said Anthony, who has taken it upon himself to help fellow rural folks in his hometown of Long San and other places in Ulu Baram on this matter.
Anthony also spoke of the need for the authority concerned to extend the cash disbursement period by at least a month so that all needy rural folks did not miss out on this much needed aid.
“Many rural folks are just farmers earning RM500 or less. The Penan earns even less, as little as RM100 per month. So, they really need whatever help they can get.”
Anthony added that poor transportation problems were another issue which needed looking into to help natives living in the interior.
“After deducting for logistics and food, there will not be much left for the rural folk trying to get the cash aid.”