Kuala Lumpur, 11-15 April 2020 – Tan Chong Group has recently contributed food aid to poor families living in the People’s Housing Project (PPR) flats in Klang Valley from 11 April to 15 April 2020 as part of its philanthropic initiative to support Covid-19 relief efforts during the Movement Control Order (MCO) which came into force since 18 March 2020.

This initiative is in collaboration with Suriana Welfare Society, an NGO which aims at enhancing PPR residents’ quality of life and ensuring the needy ones are not forgotten.  The items contributed by the Group were dry essential food items.

Chairman of the Suriana Welfare Society, Mr. James Nayagam said that the contribution will definitely help those affected PPR residents who are in dire need of these essential items during the MCO period.  According to him, most of the PPR residents are from poor families and who make daily or weekly wages with limited income.  He said that since the implementation of the MCO on 18 March 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak, he has received numerous appeals from residents who are in dire straits, with their biggest worry being not having food to feed their families as they could not go out to work during the MCO.

“Poverty is no longer just a matter of not being able to pay rentals besides water and electricity bills.  We are facing the reality of urban poor not having daily basic food necessities and this is scary.  Hence, the one way we could help to alleviate their burden is by providing them with food to feed their folks, children and anyone in their families,” he said.

“What we need to remember is that the people must obey the MCO’s instructions and be in their own homes.  If anyone disobeys the order, we are concerned that the effects of the outbreak will not be dealt with as efficiently as possible and that the MCO may be extended again,” he added.

Food Collection at PPR Desa Mentari, PJ

The PPR residents all live in units ranging from 660 to 725 sq ft and some of these units hold at least six to ten family members per unit.   “I am a single mother.  I am unable to get a proper job as there is no safe place to leave my kids.  I am so thankful for what Tan Chong Group has done for us in this tough time.  It helps me and my family a lot.” said one of the residents.

In line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) of Zero Hunger, Tan Chong Group is committed to alleviating rural poverty and improving livelihoods sustainably.  The Group understands the plight of the poor, especially the low income B40 group.  The loss of income throughout the MCO period is a huge burden for them.  Hence, Tan Chong Group is trying to explore every possible avenue as much as we can to help the marginalised community and the unfortunate ones weather the storm during these unprecedented times.  Any marginalised group that is deprived of a need will suffer a type of malnutrition if that need is not met.  Tan Chong Group hopes that through this small measure of effort, some positivity and encouragement can be given, aside from direct assistance to those who are affected by the pandemic.

Food Aid Recipients at PPR San Peng, Pudu

Food Aid Distribution at PPR Beringin, Jinjang