NADMA Must Expedite Covid-19 Assistance — Dr Kelvin Yii

Each application must be processed swiftly and the needed funds disbursed to all eligible recipients.

The government must expedite the approval processing of eligible recipients of the Covid-19 Special Assistance and the Covid-19 Management Assistance under the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).

I have raised the issue of multiple delays and complaints by applicants in Parliament. Most have not received any updates on their application for assistance, even after many months.

This is not in line with the assurance given by NADMA director-general Aminuddin Hassim in September 2021, when he said that “NADMA will submit the special assistance payment within 30 working days from the date of receipt of completed application documents”.

I demand that the government look into this urgently, as many are waiting for relief funds to help them through this tough period. Mastura Mohd Yazid, deputy minister in the prime minister’s department, has admitted in Parliament that there have been delays, and has promised to look into the matter.

This issue must be addressed on a policy level, and mechanisms have to be improved.

This is to ensure that each application is processed swiftly and the needed funds are disbursed to all eligible recipients.

I also encourage all who have applied, but have yet to receive their funds to contact my office. With the necessary documents, we will help bring your case to the attention of the minister.

The Covid-19 Special Assistance is also available for individuals who lost their income during the quarantine period, and beneficiaries are also eligible for the Covid-19 Death Management Special Assistance.

Dr Kelvin Yii is the Member of Parliament for Bandar Kuching.

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