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MCO: New SOP for NGOs’ aid distribution efforts

KUALA LUMPUR: Following stiff opposition from non-governmental organisations, the government has softened its stance on barring them from delivering aid directly to the needy during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.

The Women and Family Ministry yesterday announced guidelines for NGOs to distribute food and essential items to the homeless and the needy.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Rina Harun, said the NGOs must adhere to standard operating procedure (SOP) following the National Security Council’s orders as stipulated under Section 5 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).

She said the SOP was only for NGOs that were welfare-oriented. They are allowed to distribute only food and dry goods and must adhere to the conditions.

“The NGOs must register with the nearest state Welfare Department or district welfare office a day before the aid distribution is carried out.

“Only dry goods and cooked meals are allowed to be distributed.

“The NGOs must adhere to the National Security Council’s orders and follow Act 342 such as having body temperature checks.

She said NGO members must wear face masks and gloves, and apply hand sanitiser during food distribution and practise social distancing, such as being 1m from other individuals.

“Only two persons from each NGO will be allowed per delivery.”

She said those who displayed symptoms of Covid-19 were not allowed to participate in the aid distribution.

Rina said People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) and Civil Defence Force (APM) representatives would escort the NGOs during the aid distribution, which will be coordinated by the Welfare Department.

NGOs can refer to www.jkm.gov.my for details and to obtain the list of state Welfare Departments and district welfare offices.

NGOs can call the nearest Welfare Department’s state operation centres, which are open 24 hours, if they have any inquiries.

On March 28, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had said NGOs helping to feed the poor and homeless during the MCO were advised to stop delivering food directly to the needy.

The NGOs were instead advised to drop off the aid at the nearest Welfare Department office. Government staff would then deliver the aid to the recipients.

This, said Ismail, was to minimise the possibility of Covid-19 transmission during the aid distribution.

The move courted backlash from a number of NGOs, which questioned the efficiency of the delivery chain and whether the authorities were able to pinpoint the areas that required aid.

The NGOs urged the authorities to collaborate with them instead of cutting them off completely.

Source: NST