By Jerry Choong
SHAH ALAM, July 11 — Those who have plenty should remember the ones who are less fortunate and provide aid when needed, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
In a special address for Hari Raya Aidiladha, he said that in addition to expressing one’s gratitude and remembering the name of Allah Almighty and Majestic and carrying out sacrificial rituals, one must also be mindful that a portion of the sacrifice is to be given to the needy.
“Gratitude is not merely an individual habit, but also has a communal aspect as seen through the practice of helping and feeding the poor and those in need.
“This year has also not been an easy one for all of us. The post-pandemic recovery has not been a straight path as we expected but one filled with challenging twists and turns,” Amirudin said.
Noting the spiralling costs of goods due to inflation and the global economic turmoil, he said its effects will worsen if not handled properly.
“Aware of this challenge, the state government launched Bantuan Kehidupan
Sejahtera Selangor or Bingkas. This programme expands the reach and improves the Kasih Ibu Smart Selangor (Kiss) programme and the Kasih Ibu Smart Selangor Ibu Tunggal (Kiss-IT) programme.
“Bingkas is able to benefit entire families with a target of 30,000 families in the form of RM300 in assistance per month, to buy basic necessities and education equipment,” Amirudin said.
The Menteri Besar added the state government via the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) also conducted the Jualan Prihatin Rakyat Aidiladha programme which offered essential items including chicken, beef, eggs, cooking oil and fish at lower prices.
“This is my intent, and also that of the entirety of the Selangor state administration, to ensure no group is left behind as we endeavour to develop Selangor in multiple fields.
“This year we are thankful the opportunity to perform the Haj is once again available after two years of Covid-19. I would also like to congratulate those who have been granted the opportunity to perform their pilgrimages,” he said.
Amirudin concluded his address by wishing the pilgrims a blessed journey and granted health and safety to and back from the Holy Land.
