JOHOR BARU: The Pakej Perlindungan Rakyat dan Pemulihan Ekonomi (Pemulih) is being described as timely by those whose livelihoods have been ravaged by the pandemic.

       Ku Nur Nabila Ku Hamzah, 25, said her family was relieved after hearing the Pemulih announcement by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

       The former clerk said her whole family relied fully on her husband who worked part-time as a fisherman and labourer.

       “So, the financial aid for B40 families is music to our ears, ” she added.

       Music to the ears: (From left) Ku Nur Nabila, Suria, Muhammad Irfan and Loo.

       On Monday, the Prime Minister said that households in the B40 category would receive RM500 in August and RM300 in December, while individuals in this category who are single would get RM200 in August.

       Nabila said her family was grateful as the aid would help with their expenses.

       Suria Mohd Sidin, 34, who works in the private sector, said the government aid was fair as those in the M40 (middle 40%) category were not being left out.

       She said many in the M40 category had faced pay cuts and this had affected their families, adding that she had to support her parents as well.

       “So, in my personal opinion, the aid provided by the government is impartial and appropriate, ” she said.

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       Muhammad Irfan Yazid, 23, said that the announcement was well received by fishermen in Kampung Pendas Laut, Gelang Patah.

       “Most of the villagers here depend on outsiders coming in and buying freshly caught seafood, but the movement control had greatly affected our income, ” he said.

       Muhammad Irfan added that all of them were also looking forward to the Bantuan Khas Covid-19 (BKC) initiative.

       Kelab Alami manager Muhammad Irfan Yazid, 23, said he was personally relieved to be able to receive financial aid under the singles category.

       “Our club usually organises boat tours for tourists around Pendas Laut to explore marine life, but since the MCO started, we have shifted our focus more to selling seafood and food at a nearby market to gain income, ” he added.

       Under BKC, hardcore poor households will receive RM500 in August and November and RM300 in December, while single people among the hardcore poor will get RM200 in August and RM300 in November.

       Muhyiddin also said that the M40 category would not be left out, with households in this group getting RM250 and single people receiving RM100, both to be paid in August.

       In Ipoh, graphic designer Muhammad Luqman Hakim Mohamed Radzi said the loan repayment moratorium would help to ease his burden of paying his house and car loans.

       “I am thankful for the announcement made by the Prime Minister.

       “This shows the government is listening to the public, and the help offered will definitely benefit my family and me, ” he added.

       The 29-year-old said he planned to apply for the Employees Provident Fund’s (EPF) new withdrawal facility known as i-Citra.

       This allows EPF members to withdraw RM5,000 with a fixed repayment sum of RM1, 000 over five months, depending on the amount of money in their EPF savings.

       Former national high jump athlete Loo Kum Zee, 47, said the Pemulih announcement showed that the government cared about the people.

       “With the growing number of Covid-19 cases and unemployment, Pemulih will lessen the burden of the people.

       “Even though it is not a lot, it is still helpful. Plus, the package is far more comprehensive, ” he said.

       Low added although he would not apply for the moratorium scheme, he applauded the government’s effort to help the people.

       “I know people who don’t even have food to feed themselves and their family.

       “The monetary aid is something that will benefit those who are really in need, ” he said.