No salaries for PM, Cabinet ministers for 3 months

By Nuradzimmah Daim, Dawn Chan, Mohamed Basyir - May 31, 2021 @ 9:29pm

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Cabinet ministers will not be receiving their monthly salaries for three months from June to show solidarity for the frontliners and Malaysians as the country continues its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

The money would instead be channelled to the National Disaster Relief Trust Fund to cover Covid-19 related expenses, the prime minister said in a special address to announce the government's financial assistance under Pemerkasa Plus tonight.

In expressing appreciation to the efforts and commitment shown at all levels, he said the government would continue to emphasise on the whole-of-government and whole-of society approaches in battling the pandemic.

"This refers to the efforts to optimise the overall healthcare manpower and role of the frontliners on the ground, as well as Malaysians who are assisting in breaking the chain of Covid-19 infection.

"The decision to implement the lockdown is a difficult but necessary action. Its success would depend on you and with God willing. The government has closed almost all economic and social sectors to reduce movement and break the chain of Covid-19 infection," he said, referring to the total lockdown which will come into effect nationwide tomorrow for two weeks.

Muhyiddin urged all to stay at home and adhere to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) at all times and reminded everyone that all efforts taken to fight the pandemic could fail otherwise.

"I pray that the pandemic that hit the country and the world to end soon. To all the frontliners, please remain strong. I know that you are exhausted from fighting the virus for over a year now.

"I pray that you are granted strength by Allah in facing this huge challenge and hardship."

He also prayed for a speedy recovery among the Covid-19 patients and extended condolences to the families of those who have succumbed to the virus.