Fatimah happy that firms, NGOs come forward to provide aid for needy
KUCHING: Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah is heartened to see corporate bodies and nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) stepping forward to provide assistance during this pandemic crisis.
“The action of corporate companies and nongovernmental organisations to deliver aid has been able to complement the efforts of the state government to support the community,” said Fatimah when handing over food aid packets at Farley Supermarket in Kota Samarahan yesterday.
The state minister said such action was exemplary and she hoped more people would emulate the initiative to lessen the burden shouldered by the needy groups during this challenging period.
“Each of the individuals coming to request for food aid has their own story to tell, including those experiencing unemployment and loss of income like school bus drivers, security and police personnel, as well as single mothers.”
For her constituency of Dalat, Fatimah said the state government had decided to purchase unsold pineapples from the farmers in the constituency which were then distributed to the surrounding villages.
“I am very proud to be Sarawakian because I see our people from all walks of life coming forward at times of difficulties to help the people, so that nobody is left out from getting assistance.”
The food aid initiative at Farley Supermarket in Kota Samarahan was co-organised by Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS).
Under the initiative, a minimum of 30 packets of food would be distributed at 3pm daily until July 22.
Each food packet is worth RM25 and contains instant noodles, coffee or tea, cream crackers, rice, canned food, sweetened creamer and white sandwich bread. Items are subject to stock availability.
The public can also support the initiative by purchasing a food aid packet costing RM25 to be distributed to the less fortunate group.
Among those in attendance during the food aid presentation were MPKS chairman Dato Peter Minos and council member Dato Sim Kiang Chiok.
Those requiring food aid can also contact the Social Welfare Department at 082-311554 or its offices in Kuching (082-507111), Samarahan (082-671191), Sibu (084-330675), Betong (083-471952), Sarikei (084-651005), Bintulu (086-332341), Kapit (084-796152), Mukah (084-873801), Sri Aman (083-321730), Miri (085-419073), Limbang (085-211930) and Serian (011-15889941) from 8am to 5pm on working days.
Alternatively, they can send a message through WhatsApp to 019-2615999.