JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor government today began channelling 'one-off' assistance of RM200 to frontliners in the state in appreciation of their services and contributions to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 35,136 frontline workers in the state will receive the aid, which involves an allocation of RM7.02 million through an initiative under the Johor Welfare Agenda tabled in Johor Budget 2021 in November last year.

The assistance was presented by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Ir Hasni Mohammad to agency representatives from the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), Malaysian Health Department and Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) in a brief ceremony held at Bangunan Dato' Jaafar Muhammad here today.

Also present were representatives from the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM), the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (MCDF) and the People's Volunteer Corps (Rela).

RMP representative Insp Nongleek Prak Jun said the assistance showed the state government's concern for frontliners in the state.

"This contribution will, to some extent, help raise the spirits of the frontline staff to continue serving," she said.

Meanwhile, MAF representive Sgt Mohd Shukri Hussin said the aid will be able to boost the morale of personnel involved in various operations during the pandemic.

Also present at the ceremony were State Secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani, State Health and Environment Committee chairman R. Vidyananthan and State Financial Officer Datuk Salehuddin Hassan.



-- BERNAMA