Caring for the needy

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THE Bukit Tambun service centre is consistently helping its constituents from the underprivileged group during the tough times caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik said his service centre has given out more than 5,000 food packages and a total of 3,500 food baskets to the needy ever since the first implementation of the movement control order (MCO 1.0) last year.

Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik

“I started the food distribution programme with the aim of helping as many people as we can from the underprivileged group, regardless of their race, religion and political views. We will not leave anyone behind, especially in these trying times.

 

“As their elected representative, it is my responsibility to take care of them and ensure that they get the necessary assistance regularly.

Goh giving out food packages to one of the recipients from the underprivileged group in Valdor today.

“Among those we assist are from the B40 group, those who have lost their jobs and source of income due to Covid-19, senior citizens and others.

 

“We also help those who are under home quarantine due to Covid-19,” Goh said after giving out the food necessities to the underprivileged families in Valdor today.

Goh showing some of the food supplies that he has at his service centre, ready to be distributed to the needy in the constituency. 

According to Goh, his office also try their best to ensure most of the recipients are registered to receive any form of assistance from the Social Welfare Department, Pusat Zakat Negeri Pulau Pinang and Penang’s i-Sejahtera programme as well.

 

“With this, we can at least reduce their burden and also reduce the number of people who need to be helped in this constituency.

 

“At the same time, if any family in Bukit Tambun is in dire need of help in terms of food supply, please do not hesitate to come to our service centre. We will try our best to lend a hand.

Some of the food packages prepared by Goh’s service centre.

“Over the years, we have also helped some of them to set up business and become independent to generate their own income.

 

“We helped them apply for a licence from Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and provide equipment as long as they have the will to change their lives,” he added.

 

As for preparing food packages, Goh said his office together with the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) and Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK) in Bukit Tambun, would cook the food together.

One of the staff at Bukit Tambun service centre preparing the food to be given to the underprivileged.

“There are two teams, one will cook halal food to be given to the underprivileged Muslim families and the second will handle non-halal food for non-Muslim families.

 

“Sometimes, we also buy food packages in large amount from restaurants to be given to the needy.

 

“In a way, this will also help those restaurants to sustain their businesses during this Covid-19 period.

 

“Meanwhile, for the current MCO 3.0, we give out 50 to 100 food packages each day from Monday to Friday in the constituency,” he added.

Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis