Fake News Causes Rush For ‘Relief’
Thousands of Fijians fell victim to fake news and lined up at the FNPF offices hoping to fill forms and withdraw money.
Monday 23 March 2020 | 22:19
Members of the public wait in line at the Fiji National Provident Fund Lautoka branch on March 23,2020.Photo: Salote Qalubau
There is no current COVID-19 relief package from the Fiji National Provident Fund, the general manager Member Services, Alipate Waqairawai, confirmed.
This is in response to the influx of people visiting their offices around the country and inquiring about such assistance.
Thousands of Fijians fell victim to fake news and lined up at the FNPF offices hoping to fill forms and withdraw money.
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Mr Waqairawai said: “We are asking Fijians not to come to our offices. If you have no business with us stay away.”
He said that should assistance be given, it would be only for those affected.
“We have learnt a lot from the TC Winston relief assistance, only those affected would be assisted,” he said.
The fund is also asking for Fijians to stop sharing information that FNPF is dispersing funds.
A notice that was put outside their offices read: “There is no special FNPF withdrawal assistance for COVID-19 at the moment.
“Public announcements will be made through the media as soon as this is confirmed.”
Unemployment assistance
The notice also said: “Members may apply for our Unemployment Assistance if they have resigned or have been terminated.”
If eligible, the Unemployment assistance is up to $2000.
In Lautoka, yesterday the COVID-19 confined area, Mohammed Alim of Banaras said: “I’m here to withdraw for unemployment, I do not know how much FNPF is willing to give but I’m here because I saw the notice on Facebook that they would be open today (yesterday),” he said.
“It’s been 20 minutes but I don’t mind waiting as I am the only one here for me and my wife. It’s a bit hard but we have to cope, hopefully, this FNPF money will help me do my payments and buy some more food,” he said
Mr Alim said he managed to buy some groceries just for a week.
However, the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said last Friday that Government was still in talks with FNPF for a COVID-19 relief package but nothing had been formalised.
Edited by Ranoba Baoa
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