ALL Members of Parliament in Penang have to strictly follow the guidelines set while distributing essential items under the national food basket initiative, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said once the distribution was completed, the state would then prepare a complete report consisting of the suppliers and recipients’ details to the related authorities.
The report will also include the complete list of items distributed and its cost.
“This is compulsory for all the states and it is important to prove that we are responsible when it comes to helping the vulnerable groups during this highly unprecedented situation.
“I would also like to urge all the MPs in Penang to abide by the guidelines. This is important because when we help, we need to ensure it is done in the proper way,” Chow told a press conference after officiating a brief food basket distribution programme at a flat in Jalan Kedah today.
He said the state aims to complete the food basket distribution, which had started in Tanjong yesterday (July 9), by next week.
It is learnt that 329 food baskets were distributed to residents living in the flat.
Chow added that the three state constituencies – Padang Kota, Pengkalan Kota and Komtar – under the Tanjong parliamentary constituency are expected to receive 1,000 food baskets each, courtesy of the RM300,000 allocation under the National People’s Well-Being and Economic Recovery Package (Pemulih).
“Each basket is worth RM100 based on the quotation given by the suppliers. This is a good approach that can help affected families sustain for some time,” he said.
He also personally thanked all the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that have actively carried out their own goodwill of reaching out to the needy.
“Your contribution has been immense. So glad to witness that the NGOs have also collaborated with the state constituencies to distribute food items and basic necessities to families in need of help.
“The local communities have also been a great help. They tend to understand families who are truly in need of help, so it has made it a lot easier for us to reach out.
“Keep up the good work everyone. Your help may seem small to you, but it would mean a lot to the ones receiving it,” Chow added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi