PM: Money for equipment-strapped MOH, states including opposition ones

CORONAVIRUS | Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today announced a budget boost for the Health Ministry where some hospitals under it have resorted to making their own personal protective equipment (PPE) to deal with Covid-19 patients.

Muhyiddin said the Health Ministry will receive an RM500 million budget boost to purchase ventilators, intensive care unit equipment, PPEs and lab equipment for Covid-19 screening.

He added that measures were undertaken to expedite the acquisition of the items.

"To expedite the purchase of these critical items, the government has approved the procurement according to emergency rules," Muhyiddin told a press conference in Putrajaya this afternoon after chairing the Economic Action Council meeting.

Furthermore, he said another RM100 million will be allocated to the Health Ministry to hire 2,000 contract staff, particular nurses.

"Many are exhausted as they have to work day and night to screen for Covid-19 and also to treat those who are tested positive.

"I hope the hiring of additional staff can be done immediately so that there are enough staff to deal with the spread of Covid-19," he said.

Furthermore, Muhyiddin also announced a total of RM130 million in allocation for all states.

He said this is to help small businesses and hawkers who have been affected by the Covid-19 outbreak.

"The allocation will be given to every state regardless of which party is in control of the state governments.

"The crisis we are facing is impacting everyone, regardless of race, religion or political leanings.

"Therefore, everyone, regardless of political leanings, must join together as one to face this crisis," Muhyiddin added.

Malaysia went into a partial lockdown on March 18. This is expected to last into March 31 but could be extended.

During the movement control order, all non-essential businesses are not allowed to operate, causing loss of income including amongst small traders.

Muhyiddin also announced that the government has agreed to extend the moratorium on repayment for the Higher Education Loan Fund (PTPTN) from three months to six months.

He said the moratorium is effective today until Sept 30 involving a sum of RM750 million for 1.5 million borrowers.

Muhyiddin said the government is also in the midst of studying additional measures to help alleviate the people's burden during the crisis.

He said an expanded stimulus package will be announced on March 30.

As of noon yesterday, Malaysia recorded 1,306 Covid-19 cases with 10 deaths. - Mkini