THE Lebuh Macallum community has officially welcomed its first Smart Food Bank dispensing machine.
Valued at approximately RM12,000, the device was donated by the Lions Club of Bayan Baru to provide more efficient and convenient assistance to single-parent families and vulnerable groups through an electronic management system.
Under the system, beneficiary families will receive a one-time password (OTP) via their mobile phones, enabling them to collect supplies at the Lebuh Macallum community hall at their convenience, without the need to queue at fixed times. This significantly improves both efficiency and accessibility.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng attended a free mobile health screening and diabetes awareness programme yesterday, where he noted that the Lebuh Macallum community comprises a higher proportion of elderly individuals, singles, and those living alone, many of whom fall within the B40 group.
He said collaboration between non-governmental organisations and the government plays a vital role in bridging gaps in social welfare.
Wong emphasised that the assistance programme upholds principles of gender equality and prioritises education, ensuring that not only single mothers but also single fathers are included.
“In the initial phase, the programme will assist 10 families per month, prioritising single-parent households with school-going children or young dependants.
“The service centre will gather beneficiary data through the Welfare Department and other channels, and notify recipients via an electronic system to ensure a smooth and orderly collection process,” he said.
He added that the Lions Club of Bayan Baru has secured sufficient funding to cover a full year of supplies. Each beneficiary family will receive approximately RM50 worth of essential items monthly, including dry goods and canned food.
The health screening segment attracted more than 100 participants. Wong said the encouraging turnout reflects a growing awareness and sense of responsibility among the public towards maintaining their health, contributing to the development of a healthier community.
In addition, Lions Clubs International donated 30 tablet devices to be distributed by the service centre to students in need, in support of their educational requirements.
Organising chairperson of the Lions Club of Bayan Baru, Paulene Ang, said the programme aims to raise public awareness of diabetes and promote early prevention, detection, and treatment.
She cautioned that poorly managed diabetes can lead to serious eye complications, which is why eye screening services were included in the event.
She also expressed hope that continued community support would enable sustained assistance for families in need, fostering a more caring and compassionate society.
Meanwhile, 1st Vice District Governor of Lions International District 308 B2, David Seow Chee Hoe, highlighted that the prevalence of diabetes in Malaysia continues to rise, reaching about 21.1% in 2024 and exceeding 30% in 2025, with further increases expected this year.
Lions Club Bayan Baru president Lion Chris Tan also delivered a speech at the ceremony.
Among those present were LCI 2nd Century Ambassador and Humanitarian Partner, as well as Lions Club Bayan Baru charter president Datuk Seri Goh Eng Hoe, National Kidney Foundation representative Nor Rena Azharuddin, Kek Lok Si Charitable Hospital internal medicine physician Dr Neoh Kar Keong, Kek Lok Si Charitable Hospital resident consultant ophthalmologist Dr Ooi Say Ting, and MPKK Lebuh Macallum chairman Chai Soon Long, among others.
Pix courtesy of Pengkalan Kota Service Centre