By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, April 1 — The local authorities will act as an executor in the distribution of food basket to 7,900 taxi and bus drivers in the state.
Selangor Menteri Besar said contributions to individuals whose income were affected when the movement control order (MCO) was enforced for the second time, will be done in stages from April 3.
He explained the first phase of the distribution of the basic food donation valued at RM100 each will benefit 3,571 recipients in eight local councils by Ramadan.
“This distribution involves financial implications of RM1 million which is handled by all local authorities in collaboration with the Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia as the food basket supplier,” he said.
He said this to the media after launching the programme at the Selangor State Secretariat building here, where he also handed over aid to 34 recipients as a symbolic gesture.
99 Speedmart supermarket shopping coupons were also handed over to representatives of the People’s Housing Project (PPR) supervised by the Selangor Housing and Property Board.
The first phase of the food baskets distribution covers individuals staying within the municipal councils in Selayang, Kajang, Klang, Kuala Langat, Sepang, Ampang Jaya, as well as the Sabak Bernam and Kuala Selangor district councils.
The second phase involves the city councils in Shah Alam, Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya, as well as the Hulu Selangor District Council.
Through the Kita Selangor Package, the Selangor Government has allocated RM4.35 million to implement the Food Basket programme for those affected by the Covid-19 impact.
The assistance covers taxi and bus drivers, frontliners, PPR tenants, farmers and KDEB Waste Management truck drivers.
The Food Basket is among 20 initiatives in the overall package worth RM73.9 million, which also covers education and entrepreneurship to help the needy, as well as mobilise the economy.
