Johor govt allocates RM3mil to help over 1,100 children stricken by Covid-19

JOHOR BARU: The state government has allocated RM3mil to help some 1,188 children who have been orphaned or lost loved ones due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (pic) said that the assistance was being channeled to the children via Program Anak Johor Prihatin.

“This includes medical insurance assistance, cash handouts, allowances for those schooling and studying in higher learning institutes and counselling sessions to help these children,” said Onn Hafiz.

He added that he lost his father last year due to Covid-19 and understands the pain of these children.

“I too am an orphan as I have lost both my parents,” Onn Hafiz said during an event for the children at Legoland Malaysia Resorts here.

He described his situation as a life tragedy and he understood the emotional stress that the children were all feeling.

Onn Hafiz assured the children that the state would always look into their needs and welfare.

He added that until August this year, some 36,145 people have died resulting in some 4,422 children being orphaned or losing their guardians nationwide.

Onn Hafiz thanked Legoland Malaysia for playing its part in sponsoring some of the events which were organised by Yayasan Pembangunan Keluarga Darul Ta’zim (YPKDT) here on Monday (Aug 29).

Onn Hafiz, who was seen teary eyed, had gone around to meet the children while presenting them with aid.