KUALA LUMPUR: For eight weeks, Tzu Chi KL and Selangor volunteers have worked tirelessly helping those in the country's capital, Serdang and Puchong who have been greatly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tzu Chi's communication officer, Chong Chung Yit told the New Straits Times that the non-governmental organisation had organised the food distribution drive over eight Sundays, involving 39,050 bags of food supplies for 175,456 people since mid-July until the programme ended today.
"We started this project after getting many requests for help, especially in terms of food. We launched a donation drive and managed to raise about RM30 million to give back to the community," he said.
Chong said some suppliers had even donated or gave special rates for food supplies bought for the needy, adding that some companies mobilised their staff to help Tzu Chi in distributing the food baskets.
"Since we started in July, our volunteers now have increased two-fold. We are upbeat that over time, the project has inspired kindness in many," he said.
A volunteer Ong Bee Lian, 54, from Bukit Jalil said she was grateful for the opportunity to help those in need at a time like this.
"Many have been hit hard by the pandemic. Various industries are significantly affected, and many families are facing food insecurity as a result of it. Some of the M40 families have become the B40 groups after struggling through the pandemic for almost two years. It's not easy staying afloat in the present situation," she said.
Ong said she could easily relate to the low income groups' problems and struggles because she had to be extra prudent with her money since the pandemic started.
"The saying 'kita jaga kita' is not just a phrase. In Tzu Chi, we really want to make sure it is reflected," she said.
Chan Foong Yee, 60, said volunteering in the food aid programme had given her a sense of fulfilment and peace.
"I believe that all of us shoulder the responsibility of helping others, which is why I decided to join Tzu Chi in 2006," said the 60-year-old kindergarten teacher from Sri Petaling.
She said many including those in the M40 group were also suffering. It's no longer just the B40 group like before, Chan added.
"The long period of movement control order has resulted in many businesses closing down and workers losing jobs.
"Many have suffered pay cuts and some daily wage earners are totally out of work. How will they survive? This is why we at Tzu Chi came up with this eight-week food donation drive,"she said.
Chong said prior to this, the NGO had organised other programmes such as providing financial help between RM300 and RM700 to those in need.
"Poor families or those who require any assistance can call us or register via our website. Our volunteers will assess the families' financial situation and cater to their needs," he said, adding that when volunteers lent a listening ear, it would help to boost morale.
Chong surmised that the food aid programme had been a success and the organisation had started another drive to provide medical supplies such as medications, ventilators, oxygen tanks and other medical items.
On today's food distribution involving some 350 bags of food items, he said, those who had registered would drop by to collect them, whereas volunteers would deliver the food baskets to those who did not own a transport.
He said getting those in need of help to register had been very helpful as it would ensure no wastage and a smooth collection process.
"They only have to stop here like a drive-thru to collect their food and leave. No hassle, no long queue, no congestion," he added.
Preventive measures were also strictly observed at the distribution sites, where all volunteers must wear face masks, face shields and gloves. Those who came to collect the food baskets were required to scan the MySejahtera QR code and get their body temperature recorded.