Rabiah Musa (right) said her sales have been declining since implementation of the MCO and the price of her goods has also been reduced. Bekenu wet market traders are required to trade until 10.30am only.
Reporters from the The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo interview Lukanisman at Padang Kelulit roadblock.
MIRI: Fishermen, especially those in small towns, are encouraged to be more proactive by using social media apps, such as e-hailing, to sell and deliver their catch.
Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni said he was aware of the difficulty of fishermen in selling their catch during this movement control order (MCO) period.
“Some fishermen told me about their difficulties in selling all their catch, so I advised them to use different methods such as social media and to contact supermarkets and restaurants that require their catch.
“I also found out that there is a bit of misunderstanding because what they need to know is that they can deliver their catch to Miri, but the delivery must be done by one person only.
“However, I will try to ask the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) to issue a letter of support to these fishermen to enable them to deliver their catch, similar to what Malaysia Palm Oil Berhad (MPOB) has done for the smallholders; because demand for river or sea produce is still high,” Lukanisman said during his observation around Bekenu and Niah yesterday.
In another development, Lukanisman said many announcements had been made by the federal as well as the state governments and the most impactful to the people was the Sarawakku Sayang economic stimulus package.
“The important thing is to help rural people who have lost their source of income and who do not have access to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). I hope the Sarawakku Sayang B40 package is extended to applicants who may not receive the Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) or single mothers who depend solely on selling products at the tamu (market).
“Additionally, the face masks promised by the state government will be distributed within a week through district offices in each division and hotspot areas will be a priority for this face mask distribution,” he said.
He hoped the guards looking after business premises and schools as well as those in the media fraternity who work during the MCO will receive special incentives as they are also part of the front liners during this MCO.
Commenting on the level of MCO compliance in Bekenu and Niah during the eighth day yesterday, Lukanisman said some people could still be seen in the towns.
“I see people are still in town and the police are making sure people do not go out as they please. In Bekenu, the tamu is still operating but sellers are lamenting the lack of sales due to the MCO.
“I also went to check and contributed some goodies to the roadblock officers at Padang Kelulit and Ngu junction in Niah.
“I was also told that the police were almost hit by an irresponsible driver today (yesterday) and there are still civilians who did not obey the rules.
“Nevertheless, the situation is calm and I urge everyone to comply with the MCO,” Lukanisman said further.
Lukanisman also went to Kampung Dagang in Sepupok, Niah to distribute daily basic necessities and face masks to four less fortunate families in the village.