Community leaders help speed up food aid for quarantined Sipitang families

 By Olivia Miwil - February 7, 2021 @ 5:07pm

Sindumin Community Development Leaders unit has come forward to facilitate the distribution of food baskets to families who are being quarantined at their homes. NSTP/ courtesy of Sindumin UPPM.

SIPITANG: The Sindumin Community Development Leaders unit (UPPM) has come forward to facilitate the distribution of food baskets to families undergoing Covid-19 quarantine in their homes.

The machinery, led by Sani Miasin, decided to take action after numerous heads of families lodged complaints over the delays in food aid from the district Disaster Operations Control centre (PKOB).

"The quarantined families are supposed to get food aid from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, which is managed by PKOB and chaired by the district officer.

"However, the significant increase in the number of Covid-19 cases led to many households being quarantined at home (and requiring assistance)," he said in a statement.

Sani said that as of yesterday, the team managed to distribute food baskets to 82 families from 18 villages here. Another 32 baskets, he said, were handed over to Long Pasia village chief Yakub Sim, whose village is located about five hours from the town.

The food aid were given to eligible villagers via their community leaders.

"We would like to thank Sipitang district officer Masawi Salleh for entrusting our team with helping in distributing the aid which has helped speed up the delivery process.

"The GRS government through the district PKOB remains committed and is working hard to manage the food aid for families affected by the quarantine order," he added.

Sani said those who are eligible but have yet to receive any help should contact the authorities.