Medical frontliners eligible for special RM600 allowance
Medical frontliners who have been battling the COVID-19 outbreak are eligible for a monthly allowance
Image adapted from: Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia
The government-implemented Movement Control Order (MCO) has been in place for over a month now, and most Malaysians have already embraced this new lifestyle. However, while we’re fortunate enough to be able to stay in our homes, our frontliners continue to face the COVID-19 outbreak head-on.
Following the news of the government’s economic stimulus package, recent reports have revealed that budget will be allocated to medical staff who have been treating COVID-19 patients. They will be receiving a monthly allowance of RM600 until the outbreak ends.
Only for medical personnel who are at the frontline of the pandemic
According to The Star, all medical personnel who are tasked with treating and caring for COVID-19 patients will be eligible to apply for this special monthly allowance, and this includes:
- Doctors and other medical personnel who are directly involved with the treatment of COVID-19 patients
- Those who handle the remains of either confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients
- Those who conduct COVID-19 screening at designated centres
- Those who collect and conduct COVID-19 samples at labs
- Those who manage hospital waste that is related to COVID-19
Image adapted from: Bernama
According to the Health Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Chen Chaw Min, all eligible individuals are required to submit their claims before the 10th of every month. The department heads will have to inform their subordinates on this matter so that they are aware of the special monthly allowance and understand the proper procedure to take in order to apply for it.
Image adapted from: Bernama
PM Muhyiddin personally give thanks to medical staff
The news of this monthly allowance for medical staff follows shortly after PM Muhyiddin’s video conference with the team of frontliners at Sungai Buloh Hospital. On 21st April 2020, Malay Mail reported that the PM personally extended his gratitude and appreciation toward the medical personnel for all their hard work and sacrifices.
He also shared that the country’s progress in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic is possible all thanks to the frontliners such as the hospital staff, police officers, military personnel, and even volunteers who go out of their way in order to lend a helping hand toward communities in need.
Monthly allowance for hospital staff to help ease burden
It’s great to hear that our frontliners who have been working tirelessly since the start of the outbreak are getting a special monthly allowance. Although we can’t possibly put a price on their contributions so far, the allowance serves as a good token of appreciation.
We can only hope that the number of COVID-19 cases continues to follow the current downward trend so that our frontliners can finally take a good rest after an excruciatingly long battle.
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