JOHOR BARU: The state government has allocated RM3mil to help about 1,000 children who have lost family members, especially parents, to the Covid-19 pandemic.

       Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad said each child would receive a one-off payment of RM2,500 to RM5,000, which would be deposited into their National Education Savings Scheme.

       “We sympathise with these children who have to grow up without the love and care of their parents,” he said, adding that primary and secondary school students would also receive vouchers to purchase school supplies.

       Hasni added that those who had completed their secondary education would receive assistance for higher education.

       He said the initiative, known as Anak Angkat Makmur Johor, would be handled by Yayasan Pembangunan Keluarga Darul Ta’zim.

       “With the help of the state Education Department, we will also organise a counselling and motivation session for all the children who have lost their loved ones,” he said.

       On tourism, Hasni said the state government would allocate RM4mil as a special incentive to industry players to revive the tourism industry next year.

       He said from the amount, RM621,000 would be given to 621 tour guides, RM414,000 to 207 budget hotel operators, RM372,000 to 186 tour agencies, RM233,000 to 232 chalet operators and RM82,000 to 82 tour boat operators.

       “We have also allocated RM320,000 to the Johor Tourism Association and RM100,000 as a special initiative for business events to be held in the state,” he said while unveiling the state’s Budget 2022 yesterday.

       Hasni said RM400,000 would be allocated to upgrade the state tourism office and another RM2mil to intensify promotional activities both locally and abroad.