By Sheeda Fathil
SHAH ALAM, Jan 17 — The Selangor Women’s Welfare and Charity Organisation (Pekawanis) has allocated a total of RM308,000 for donations in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration this year.
Its president Datin Seri Masdiana Muhamad said the assistance will benefit 1,320 residents from 44 state constituencies with each receiving RM200 in addition to some basic needs.
She said that the increase of RM132,000 from last year was made to ensure that more of the state’s residents receive the donations.
“Hopefully this donation would somewhat help ease the recipients’ burdens in preparing for the Chinese New Year celebration soon,” said Masdiana when met at the Menteri Besar’s official residence, here today.
Housewife Ng Sow Khean, 42, told SelangorKini after the event, that the help is very valuable for her to buy daily necessities, especially food items ahead of the festival.
“Perhaps for other people, this assistance is small, but for me, the amount is large and I can go shopping for food and drinks in preparation of Chinese New Year,” she said.
Senior citizen Henry Tan, 68, who received the state government’s assistance for the first time, was excited and considered it a festive blessing.
“I think this is a Chinese New Year blessing. Thank you Pekawanis for generously helping the Chinese in celebrating the festival,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pekawanis has allocated more than RM200,000 for back-to-school assistance this year.
Masdiana said that it expects 30 students from each state constituency to receive the aid.
She said each recipient will receive cash benefits which have been increased to RM150 compared to RM100 before.
“This donation is also to ease the burden of parents in preparing their children for school. God willing, the donation will be made in the near future,” said the president.
In addition, Masdiana said her team will also continue the Ziarah Medik programme which is expected to start in May this year in 47 state constituencies.
“Following the response received previously, we will continue the programme so that more chronic patients can be helped,” she said.
Last year, Pekawanis allocated RM200,000 to help chronic patients buy medicine and personal necessities.
The programme prioritises single mothers and disabled persons (OKU) from low-income families (B40).
