The Selangor state government has agreed to allocate funds to subsidise a certain number of Covid-19 burials regardless of faith.
Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari told an online press conference today that the subsidy is set to be available for Muslims and non-Muslims upon application.
The state executive council has empowered executive councillor (welfare, workers and caring government) V Ganabatirau and state secretary Nor Azmie Diron to look into the matter.
The duo will also scrutinise claims about exorbitant burial costs imposed on both Muslims and non-Muslims.
“We (the state exco) discussed it yesterday. Ganabatirau and the state secretary will monitor this and identify what is the problem.
“We will not stop those who are able to afford the payment for the process.
“But for those who can’t afford it and choose (to apply), at least the state can help ease their burden and prevent them from being charged exorbitant amounts just to bury a body,” Amirudin said.
Ganabatirau is set to reveal more details after scrutinising how much the state can afford.
The menteri besar hoped the government would be able to subsidise about half of the burial costs.
“Our contribution will not be a lot. I think the maximum is RM1,000 (per body).
“Ganabatirau is looking into the existing allocations (in the state budget). But we have allowed the money to be used to help manage bodies, especially for non-Muslims if they need it for the burial and for those who can’t afford it.
“This must be by application basis. The (full) cost is maybe more than RM2,000 so at least RM1,000 can be subsidised by the state,” he explained.
The state government previously rolled up a Centralised Covid-19 Fatalities Management system earlier this month to help expedite the burial process.
Selangor has been experiencing the highest number of Covid-19 and deaths in the country.
Today alone, the state recorded 6,278 new cases and 118 deaths.
Despite having four full Covid-19 hospitals, the healthcare system continues to struggle to handle the onslaught of patients. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.