THE distribution of basic necessities to the needy as announced by the Penang government during the current movement control order (MCO) is progressing smoothly.
State Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said the underprivileged in each of the five districts in the state have started to receive the boxes of groceries.
He said a total of 5,237 boxes have been given to the needy in the northeast district and another 2,444 boxes in the southwest districts early this week.
“Today alone, a total of 2,111 boxes of food supply are given to the people in the south Seberang Perai district.
“We are going to distribute the foodstuff to north Seberang Perai tomorrow (April 16) before covering central Seberang Perai district on Friday.
“All these groceries will help to assist their needs in this challenging time and I assure that the poor will not be left behind,” he told Buletin Mutiara.
Those eligible for the aid comprise the Social Welfare Department aid recipients, Agenda Ekonomi Saksama (AES) aid recipients, residents of People’s Housing Project (PPR) or low-cost housing scheme, and any qualified individuals or families identified by their respective state assemblymen.
Phee added that the groceries include flour, sugar, canned sardines, canned red baked beans, instant noodles, rice, chocolate malt, soy sauce and biscuits.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was reported as saying that some 20,000 boxes of food supply would be distributed this week.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix from YB Phee’s office