KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 – Many are of the view that the government has failed to address the effects of Covid-19 pandemic, said Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

This is because some people had fallen to the bottom of the life hierarchy due to the adverse impacts of the epidemic, particularly their income.

“It goes to the extend they have to raise the white flag for help in order to feed their families. They have to endure the embarrassment of being insulted, condemned and criticized by the government supporters.

“We are grateful that members of the community and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have acted quickly since the Movement Control Order 3.0 began. They assisted whoever in trouble.

“Yes, it is true that some people have to rely on food aid. It is nothing political,” he said.

The Barisan Nasional chairman further said this has prompted the Perikatan Nasional government to introduce the National Caring Basket program.

“With a fund of RM16 million, the corporate company’s contribution of 420,000 food baskets but the government must realize that the people expect more than just food. They can get the help from many parties, there are many food banks ,” he said.

Zahid added the people currently want a government that have the ability to mend all the damages, notably the deteriorating economy.

“Life should be back to normal without having to depend on continuous food basket or more precisely without uncontrolled cases of Covid-19 infection, and the economy recovering. It’s not just allowing them to dine-in at restaurants and walk around,” he said.