ROMPIN: Ferry services to Pulau Tioman have been temporarily suspended until March 31 in line with the Movement Control Order (MCO) to tackle the spread of Covid-19.
Tioman assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Hussain said ferry services from both the Mersing jetty in Johor, and Tanjung Gemok jetty here have been stopped to ensure outsiders, including tourists, would not enter the island.
"Ferry services from both the jetties have been stopped so no one is allowed to go to the island. We have advised those living at several villages on the island to remain at home and not leave the island to the mainland on speedboat," he said today.
Johari, who is also the state Youth and Sports Committee chairman, assured that some 3,600 villagers living on the island have sufficient supply of food and essentials, and will not face shortages.
He said all the forward bases on the island have been fully-stocked with sufficient food supplies and other necessities.
"The state government has adopted preparations similar to those used when facing the monsoon season. Food items are kept at the forward bases so people on the island will not be required to travel out.
"Residents at six villages, namely Kampung Tekek, Salang, Juara, Mukut, Genting and Paya have enough supplies and if they face shortages, arrangements will be made to send more supplies. The Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) along with the police will monitor the situation," he said.
Meanwhile, Johari said the one-off cash assistance of RM150 and food items like rice, flour, sugar and others worth RM50 for those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in the Rompin parliamentary constituency was distributed today.
He said some 1,000 individuals from three constituencies namely Tioman, Muadzam Shah and Bukit Ibam received the aid.
Yesterday, the Pahang government announced special financial aid, including one-off cash assistance of RM150, to help those who suffered a loss in income due to Covid-19 in the state.