Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu branch chairman Chambai Lindong said those affected were from rural areas working as general labourers, cooks and helpers at coffee shops, restaurants and bistros, helpers at hair salons, electricians and welders, lorry drivers and attendants, shop assistants, security guards and cleaners.

He said since Jan 26, they had submitted their names through the SDNU Sibu branch to apply for the food aid but many complained they had not received the “Sarawakku Sayang” food assistance.

“We have been receiving their requests for food aid via WhatsApp and to date, we have submitted more than 1,000 names to the Sibu Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) via the Sibu district office to coordinate the distribution of the food baskets.

“And the names of those needing food aid still keep on coming to us,” he said in a statement here today.

Having no money to buy food for their families, Lindong said they needed food urgently.

“We believe their situation is genuine. There are 11 more days of MCO 2.0 in Sibu. Unless they receive food aid immediately, their situation will get worse. Their savings, if any is left, will dry up. And if that is the case, many people will starve,” he said.

The organisation is also concerned over the rural folk in Sibu Jaya who are in a similar situation as many of them do not know what to do and where to go for help.

Lindong said the situation faced by the rural folk staying in Sibu town was indeed worrying.

“Many of them wanted to go back to their respective longhouses but under the MCO, they were not allowed to do so.

“Their hope now lies with the SDMC. The earlier the food aid is given to them, the better,” he added.

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