Mukhriz’s aide dismisses claims that food supplies cut off from Kedah village

Teacher Mohd Amin Yaakob helping a villager at Kampung Lebai Saman, Kuala Nerang, with daily necessities.

PETALING JAYA: An aide to Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir has dismissed allegations that the supply of food to 500 villagers at Kampung Lebai Saman in Kuala Nerang had been cut off due to the movement control order (MCO).

Mohd Fisol Jaafar, who works as Mukhriz’s press secretary, said supplies of basic necessities were given to the villagers during the MCO’s early stage.

He added there were only 165 people in the village and not 500 people as reported.

“From the checks conducted at the Padang Terap district office, we have provided rice and sugar to those who need assistance.

“We will continue to monitor and provide the basic necessities if they need it,” Fisol told FMT.

FMT earlier reported that about 500 villagers there are facing hard times following the imposition of the MCO, which has been extended to April 28.

Teacher Mohd Amin Yaakob, who runs an NGO helping the villagers, said when he returned to his village, he noticed most of the residents had lost their income source as 90% of them worked as rubber tappers and received daily wages.

He said it was sad to see the villagers struggling to obtain food.

Amin said the situation worsened as children who worked to help their parents could not work during the MCO.

Fisol also said besides the state government, there were also NGOs and political parties that provided support to the villagers.

“The villagers are eligible to apply for financial aid that the state government has already announced,” he added. - FMT