KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 ― The government will allocate an additional RM1 billion next year to curb the spread of Covid-19 which has now entered its third wave, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz announced today.
In his Budget 2021 speech, Tengku Zafrul said the government would also provide a one-off payment of RM500 to around 100,000 medical frontliners from the Health Ministry.
“RM475 million will be used for the purchase of reagent supplies, test kits and consumables specially for the Health Ministry's usage.
“Secondly, RM318 million will be allocated for the preparation of Personal Protection Equipments (PPE) and hand sanitisers to frontliners.
“Thirdly, RM150 million will be allocated to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and fourthly, RM50 million for the purchase of equipment, lab supplies and medicines at university hospitals,” he said.
The allocation will also be used to cover the procurement of equipment required to resume dental services, virtual clinical services and preparation of preliminary zone facilities and thermometers at health facilities.
He also said the government’s Covid-19 special monthly allowance of RM600 accorded to frontliners since March will be maintained until the pandemic is successfully overcome.
“The government appreciates the sacrifices and hard work of the frontliners in handling the Covid-19 pandemic," he added.
