Bukit Gasing rep offers RM100 transport allowance to essential shift workers

CORONAVIRUS | Bukit Gasing assemblyperson Rajiv Rishyakaran has used his Selangor government allocation for Covid-19 to offer a one-off RM100 transport allowance for essential workers who still have to travel during off-peak hours.

"We are facing both an economic crisis alongside a health crisis with Covid-19. While most of us are staying home, there are those in essential services who must continue working outside.

"We must appreciate their sacrifice, as they put their health at risk for us," Rajiv told Malaysiakini today.

He pointed out that some essential workers rely on public transportation to travel between home and work, and were impacted by the government move to limit public transport operating hours during the movement control order (MCO).

"This move will greatly impact our essential workers who do not drive but depend on public transport, especially for those working on shifts, starting or finishing work outside the normal morning and evening peak hours.

Rajiv has launched the short-term scheme to give financial help to essential workers who rely on public transport for shift work, and who now must resort to using a taxi or Grab.

Those who work or live in his Bukit Gasing constituency can apply for this allowance. They can do so by emailing their payslip, copy of their IC and relevant work documents to vivien@bukitgasing.my or help@bukitgasing.my.

"This is to reduce the financial impact that they face.

"Using the Selangor government allocation to state reps for Covid-19, I am offering RM100 to each worker for the seven days of MCO that they will be affected.

Rajiv urged the federal government to also extend this offer to all other essential workers who rely on public transport nationwide.

"I am only a state representative so this just covers my constituency," he said.

"The government should do this for everyone."

"As the government shuts down public transport to reduce human movement, they should also be mindful of our doctors, nurses, police and many other essential workers who are negatively impacted by this move," he added. - Mkini