RM50 mln immediate allocation by Sabah govt to assist people impacted by COVID-19

He said the decision was made at the state cabinet meeting here today which discussed issues related to the pandemic and efforts to curb the spread of the virus in Sabah.

“From this allocation, RM10 million will go to the food basket for residents of four districts, namely Tawau, Lahad Datu, Semporna and Kunak which are affected by the Targeted Enhanced Movement Control Order,” he added in the statement issued.

On a related development, Hajiji said managing of all issues related to the virus would be fully handled by the State COVID-19 Disaster Management Committee.

“The committee is chaired by State Secretary Datuk Safar Untong, with Sabah Health director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi as the deputy chairman and its members comprising officials from state and federal agencies.

“With that, the Sabah COVID-19 Command Centre is scrapped and its role placed under this committee,” he said.

Earlier, Hajiji chaired the first cabinet meeting after he was sworn in as Sabah chief minister following the formation of a new state government on Tuesday.

Present at the meeting were the three deputy chief ministers, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam, besides newly appointed state Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun and Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim.