Bernas gives rice, money to families
IN the spirit of the Merdeka Month, Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas), through its corporate s oci al re s ponsibili t y programme, has extended assistance to more than 50 families of all races in the Taman Cendana Flat residential area in Pasir Gudang.
Southern Region operations manager Noor Khaliq Abdul Rahman said the initiative was done to help the local community affected by the Covid-19 epidemic.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has not only affected the health but also the income of individuals and households.
“Therefore, Bernas has taken the initiative to cheer them up in Taman Cendana with donations in the form of money and daily necessities.
“Apart from being close to our warehouse operations, this residential area houses various races and at the same time it is in line with the concept of the Merdeka Month celebration,” he said.
Bernas Corporate Communications Department head Rosniza Baharum said: “Previously, Bernas Prihatin had assisted several farmers in Sekinchan, Selangor and Pasir Puteh, Kelantan.
“This time we went to Pasir Gudang, Johor Baru, to provide assistance to those in need, especially during the recovery phase that we are going through at the moment.”
Working together with the Taman Cendana Residents Welfare Body, Bernas identified more than 50 families in dire need and six of them were disabled.
Many of them had also lost their source of income since the Movement Control Order began in March.
“Rice and Malaysian society are inseparable. It is one of the sources of carbohydrates that give us energy. Bernas has provided two types of rice, Basmati rice and also local white rice, that can help provide them with energy,” added Rosniza.
One of the recipients, Bunga Osman, 61, expressed gratitude for the donations.
“Alhamdulillah, thank you for this contribution.
“It will surely help us, especially since I have no source of income and can only depend on the help provided by the government in continuing daily life."
Bunga also took care of her friends who needed proper healthcare.
Meanwhile, another recipient, Krisnaama Perumal, 52, thanked Bernas for the money and items.
“After losing my husband two years ago, my source of income had been quite limited. The contribution from Bernas will definitely help my family,” she said.
Rosniza said Bernas would continue with the programme in the future.
“In addition to helping those in need, this programme is a medium to strengthen the relationship between Bernas and the local community.
“Yesterday, 20 employees from the Bernas headquarters and Bernas warehouse in Pasir Gudang went down to the field to realise this programme, ” she added.
In addition to its role of buying padi from farmers at a guaranteed minimum price and acting as the last buyer of padi from farmers, Bernas will continue to maintain its social obligation responsibilities such as stockpile management, managing the Bumiputera Manufacturers and Wholesalers Scheme and Subsidy Scheme Management for Farmers.