KOTA BARU: The Sultan of Kelantan Sultan Muhammad V has expressed disappointment over the action of those responsible for spreading negative news against measures intended to control Covid-19.

       Such intent hampers the government’s efforts to control and protect the people from the spread of the virus, said the state Ruler.

       “Stop actions that can create a lot of conflicts that create more problems and make life difficult.

       “Whatever polemic and conflict that arise will affect the focus on resolving the pandemic, as well as the economic, social, religious and other developments in the society,” said the Sultan in his royal address during the opening of the Fourth Term of the 14th Kelantan state assembly here yesterday.

       The royal address was read out by Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob.

       The state government, said Sultan Muhammad V, had spent RM33.52mil in 2020 and another RM18.77mil this year to help those affected by the pandemic.

       “Among the assistance provided are: the Economic Stimulus Package, Basic Essential Aid for Every State Constituency, Cash Initiative for Hawkers and Petty Traders and Kelantan Entrepreneur Assistance,” he added.

       The Ruler expressed appreciation to all frontliners for their service in ensuring that the Covid-19 pandemic was always under control.

       “Thank you also to all state and federal departments and agencies as well as non-governmental organisations for their assistance in easing the burden of the people,” he said.

       The Kelantan State Legislative Assembly also congratulated Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on his appointment as the country’s ninth Prime Minister.

       Speaker Datuk Abdullah Ya’kub conveyed the congratulatory message after the recitation of prayers, saying that the people had placed high hopes for the country to move forward amid the current political and economic challenges.

       The state assembly also extended its condolences to the family of Melor assemblyman Dr Md Yusnan Yusof who died of a heart attack on April 30. The three-day meeting for the state assembly was adjourned to 9am today.