PRE-DAWN MEALS FOR KL’S HOMELESS
Programme organised by IOJ and YCK, with food from Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel
IT was nearing dawn and a steady stream of cars rushed along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman as children played on the pavements. Further down, in front of Yayasan Chow Kit’s (YCK) Kuala Lumpur Krash Pad, scores of underprivileged families sat with their backs against the wall. They were waiting for their “sahur”.
Institut Onn Ja’afar (IOJ), with help from some 40 student volunteers, was ready to hand out pre-dawn meals to the city’s homeless and underprivileged.
The “Jom Sahur” programme, which enters its second year, is jointly organised by IOJ and YCK, with food provided by Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel.
IOJ chief executive officer Charles Mohan said Jom Sahur would be held weekly and would be hosted by some 40 students from a college or university, who would serve 370 food packets to the homeless.
“Our Jom Sahur programme will be held simultaneously here and at Pusat Transit Gelandangan near Bulatan Pahang.”
Charles said the locations were chosen as the first was a gathering place for the homeless and less fortunate families in Chow Kit.
He said the other location was a one-stop centre for these people to get help and services not only from government agencies, but also from non-governmental organisations and volunteers.
Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside general manager and Malaysia area general manager Roberts Ejubs said he was delighted to collaborate with IOJ in the fasting month this year.
“We desire to create a better future for all through our CSR (corporate social responsibility) programmes.
“Being in the hospitality industry, it is our privilege to conduct community programmes to make the world a better place for the less fortunate.”
Ridzwan Ibrahim, 60, said he could not be more grateful for the free food.
“Alhamdullillah (praise be to God), I am grateful to receive this food packet.”
Suriani Aziera Shahril, 31, said she frequented the KL Krash Pad with her six children.
“Life has been difficult for us. Tonight, I come for the food. I have six mouths to feed.”
She said she was also grateful for hand-outs of essential supplies, such as rice.
Jom Sahur is an offshoot of IOJ’s “Jom Bekpes” programme, which began in February last year. It was the brainchild of IOJ patron Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.