SINGAPORE – The Johor government has made good on its promise to send 1,000 food baskets to Malaysian workers in Singapore as part of its Food Basket Aid Mission.
The programme was undertaken in three phases, with the last batch of about 270 food baskets distributed on January 30 by Malaysian volunteers.
The second batch of 430 food baskets had been distributed on January 22, while the first batch of 300 packs went out on December 6, last year.
The deliveries were confirmed by acting Malaysian high commissioner to Singapore Muhammad Radzi Jamaludin.
The aid mission was flagged off by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad at Dataran Mahkota Kota Iskandar in Johor on December 3.
Hasni had said the state government plans to continue the initiative included in the state's 2021 budget to help Malaysians stuck in Singapore due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.
The food baskets contain, among others, instant noodles, biscuits and pre-mixed drinks, estimated at S$30 (RM91).
Malaysian workers who used to travel back and forth from Johor now have to stay put in the republic following strict measures at the border to curb the spread of Covid-19 since March last year.
Leading the group of volunteers, Shahruddin Haeal Helmy Mohd Noh said he and his Malaysian friends are always ready to lend a hand for such missions as these.
“We are pleased to help. So far, we have a list of friends in need and it will always be updated,” he said while distributing the food basket in Woodlands recently.
The father of two said he has been helping his countrymen in the city-state since returning to work here in September last year, and can be contacted through his Facebook page “Eddie Dieana”.
He said he started working here seven years ago.
Meanwhile, Malaysian workers expressed their appreciations to the Johor government for not only focusing on Johoreans working here.
“Thank you to the Johor menteri besar. At least, this contribution can help reduce my expenses this month,” said John Anak Mujang, a Sarawakian who works as a cleaner with a public transport operator here.
For Ng Kok Hooe, he said this contribution will help ease his disappointment at not being able to return to Perak to celebrate Chinese New Year.
“I hope my family remains happy and are not saddened by my absence at this coming new year's celebration,” he said. – Bernama, February 2, 2021
