By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Nov 5 — Nearly RM2 million has been spent by the state government to aid Indians from the B40 low-income group prepare for Deepavali celebrations this year.
Exco for community welfare V. Ganabatirau said the aid was provided in the form of Jom Shopping Raya vouchers, which enables recepients to get necessary goods at certain supermarkets.
“Due to the pandemic we cannot organise open houses, so we distributed 3,500 food baskets worth RM55 each to residents who need them.
“This is also an initiative to lighten their burdens, as the economy is slowly recovering. The distributions were conducted via community leaders,” he said during the Deepavali open house reception which he organised, at Kota Permai Golf and Country Club in Kota Kemuning yesterday.
In attendance at the open house was Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari and his wife Datin Seri Masdiana Muhammad, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, Kota Raja MP Mohamad Sabu, and State Government Secretary Datuk Haris Kasim turut menghadiri majlis.
Jom Shopping Raya was introduced by the state government for the B40 group, to serve as a long-term initiative in ensuring the welfare and prosperity of the people.
Aid handover is conducted according to the main components of the respective races and festivals.
