Jasmih Slamat, who heads Suhakam Sabah, said single mothers have been among the most affected by this lack of aid.

While he said Suhakam Sabah does not have any statistics on the matter, Jasmih said single mothers have relayed their concerns that milk powder is not included in the list of essential items.

“Some single mothers have four or five children,” he pointed out during an online press conference today.

“Our Sabah office often receives complaints from individuals and NGOs that food baskets in areas such as Sebatik Island, Banggi Island, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Semporna and Tawau are not reaching their recipients.”

He added that the pandemic has opened the authorities’ eyes to issues like the need for documentation, noting that undocumented migrants have been among the hardest hit as they are not eligible for government aid.

Suhakam commissioner Jerald Joseph also said permit requirements in Sabah are complicating NGOs’ efforts to move around the state and distribute aid to the needy.

“While commendable, the state government’s assistance to the B40 community has left out groups like single mothers, persons with disabilities and undocumented migrants,” he said.

Calling on the state government to encourage embassies to extend assistance to their citizens facing difficulties in Sabah, Joseph said government agencies and NGOs should find more ways to work together to distribute aid efficiently in the state.

“These NGOs should not be blocked from helping communities which need help.

“I think JKM (social welfare department) and MKN (National Security Council) have to work closer with these NGOs as their partners to distribute aid.”

Joseph also called on the Sabah government to share data and information about the aid provided to prevent or minimise the duplication of assistance rendered to needy communities.