GEORGE TOWN – Penang Hindu Association (PHA) president P. Murugiah thanked food donors for their charitable act, but suggested them to donate non-perishable goods instead.
His advice comes after reports of donated food ending up in dustbins in the state.
Such was the sight on Sunday, where lunch boxes with untouched contents were strewn outside the Goddess of Mercy Temple on Pitt Street.
The oversupply, however, is deemed unavoidable as it was the New Moon Day in the Tamil month of Aadi – an auspicious day for both Chinese and Indian folk, with many observing it by serving or distributing food to the poor.
“Naturally, many people would offer food donations near this temple as it is where the destitute, poor and homeless linger,” Murugiah told The Vibes.
“Though this practice intends to offer aid”, this act of care creates a perishable surplus, which we want to highlight, he added.
“It is sad that much of the food served and distributed was wasted, with many food packets left untouched.
“Although PHA welcomes this noble gesture of selfless donors to feed the needy, it wants to raise its concern over the oversupply of food items, leading to wastage.”
Murugiah said each lunch box costs between RM4 and RM7, and the funds used to purchase the food packets can instead be used to purchase non-perishable goods.
“Non-perishable items, such as blankets, first aid kits, face masks, sanitisers, toiletries and umbrellas can be distributed as they will all come in handy for the poor during these trying times.
“PHA also suggests that food donors and well-wishers look at other locations, such as the Projek Perumahan Rakyat flats, to continue providing free meals to the homeless and B40 groups.
“PHA or any other non-governmental organisation can be contacted to help donors identify poor individuals and families, and distribute food.
“Donors can also consider refugees as deserving groups for free meals.” – The Vibes, August 10, 2021
