Relief from food programme

MERSING: The Gobok Rakyat Johor (GRJ) initiative by the state government has brought relief to many who are affected by the Covid19 pandemic, as it ensures that they can put food on the table in these challenging times.

A 37-year-old housewife, who only wanted to be known as Nina, said her family had been struggling to make ends meet after she lost her job almost a year ago.

The mother of three, who was retrenched last September, said her family now depends only on her husband’s income of RM1,100 a month.

“Fortunately, the government allowed us to withdraw some money via the EPF i-Sinar initiative. The GRJ food assistance is also helpful to our family,” said the former clerk of a private company.

Nina, who stays at Bandar Mersing, said she is now focused on taking care of her children, aged between four and 10.

Some 100,000 people are expected to benefit from the GRJ programme under the Pakej Rangsangan Ekonomi Ihsan Johor 3.0 initiative.

A total of RM8 million has been allocated for the purpose of providing free food and basic necessities in the programme, which was launched on July 11 and will run indefinitely.

A 38-year-old restaurant assistant, who gave her name only as Nor, said the food aid has helped her to save on expenses, especially during celebrations like Aidiladha yesterday.

Nor, who lost her job about a month ago, said her gardener husband also benefited from the Bantuan Prihatin Nasional and they are using the money prudently.

Food trader Kahalmiza Md Kundor, 44, said the food assistance came in handy as her business had been affected by the movement control order.

The mother of one said the packed food she delivers to eateries had not been selling well as most people now preferred to cook on their own.

“Previously, many teachers bought the food packs after school but since the lockdown was enforced, my income has dropped. This food assistance can ease my family’s burden,” said Kahalmiza, who also takes care of her mother, who is in her 80s. – Bernama