KUALA LUMPUR – The Covid-19 pandemic that struck the country has affected everyone from all walks of life.
No one is spared from the effects of the virus, which has also forced everyone to change their lifestyle based on the new norms.
Loss of jobs, orphaned children, companies forced to shut and families being separated are just some of the sad stories heard everywhere as the Covid-19 threat spreads around the world.
Moved by these plights, the Vinod Sekhar Foundation stepped forward with an initiative to help small business owners through its #PetraKasih initiative, reported Getaran, The Vibes’ Bahasa Malaysia sister portal.
Focusing on small business owners who are facing difficulties with surviving the financial crisis, the initiative will assist people that have been forced to resort to small-scale sales when faced with lay-offs.
A spokesman for the foundation told Getaran that #PetraKasih is part of their efforts to contribute to the community and help those struggling to survive and make ends meet during these pressing times.
The assistance is meant to help food traders and stall owners promote their items through digital media, so as to expand the scope of their businesses, he added.
“Our inaugural #PetraKasih project started by helping a woman who had to close her restaurant and move to a small roadside stall when her business was severely affected by the implementation of the movement control order 2.0.
“Having created a type of food known as Nasi Paka, trader Yusliza Mohammed Noor suffered from depression when she had to close her restaurant after experiencing more than an 80% decline in sales.”
The spokesman said #PetraKasih had recently bought Yusliza’s products to be distributed to others, including staff under PETRA Group.
He said this method plays a role in indirectly promoting the affected food stalls or small traders, as the items are enjoyed by the group’s employees and promoted on social media.
“The assistance isn’t huge, but at least it helps them (traders) to continue their daily sales, and, at the same time, become a source of income and livelihood for individuals who need food to survive.”
Each week, the Vinod Sekhar Foundation identifies food stalls or small traders, including home-based businesses, that are eligible for assistance and contact them so that their products can be purchased, he added.
“For this reason, we welcome nominations from the public, if you feel that there are traders selling food items who deserve help. Their stories will be promoted on two portals under PETRA News – Getaran and The Vibes.
“The Vinod Sekhar Foundation has contributed more than RM15 million since the start of the pandemic to help the needy, including the Orang Asli community, disabled, elderly, children, refugees, and the poor."
The spokesman explained that the assistance includes donating a mobile hospital worth RM7 million to help the government provide health services to rural communities.
“If you are interested or wish to nominate any small food businesses that deserve assistance, please contact us via email at [email protected].”
Meanwhile, an overwhelmed Yusliza said she was very excited when she knew her stall had received attention to be promoted as the inaugural participant of the #PetraKasih programme.
“I was honestly really surprised when I was approached by a PETRA Group staff member who bought all my items. I was told that it is among the initiatives launched by the Vinod Sekhar Foundation to help small businesses.
“I really hope the food will satisfy the appetites of all staff at the PETRA office.” – The Vibes, July 29, 2021
