JOHOR BARU: The Johor government has announced several incentives to help those affected by the Covid-19 outbreak.

Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad said that as of Friday midnight (March 20), the number of positive Covid-19 cases in the state had spiked to 101.

“As a step towards ensuring the rakyat’s welfare, the state government will give a one-off aid of RM1,000 to those who tested positive for Covid-19.

“The state government has also agreed to give another one-off allocation of RM20,000 to all 56 assemblymen, ” he said in a live Facebook video here on Friday (March 20).

Hasni, who is the Benut assemblyman, added that in a gesture of condolence, the state government would also be handing out RM2,000 to family members or relatives of those who died from Covid-19.

He added that the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAIJ) would also consider giving help to those under the Asnaf category.

“Besides the peoples’ welfare, the state government will also be focusing in terms of economic and sectors affected by the outbreak.

“The state government will give rent exemption to some 10,371 traders renting at premises owned by local councils including at public markets, starting from April until December this year, ” he said.

Hasni added that some 151 SME entrepreneurs operating at premises owned by state government would also be given the necessary help and incentives.

He said state government staff, who have part-time working status, their daily salaries would be counted throughout the movement control order period.

“The state government will continue to look at other initiatives to help and ease the burden on those affected by Covid-19, ” he added.