GEORGE TOWN – With the Covid-19 lockdown in full swing, the urban poor, especially those living at People’s Housing Projects (PPRs), need help to get them through this tough time.
Penang Hindu Association president P. Murugiah said a helpline should be set up to connect the public to their elected representatives.
“I have people calling me, telling me that they cannot reach some assemblymen’s offices when they try asking for assistance.”
Being a people’s representative is more than just giving a bag of rice to the poor, he said.
“There are other types of assistance needed by the poor, like transportation to get to the hospital,” said Murugiah, adding that there have been cases of people dying at home as they were unable to get help.
“State governments should have a hotline, because what happens when they (people) can’t reach their representatives?
“They are already in a depressed and stressful situation, and on top of that, nobody is coming to help.”
Establishing a helpline, with the number displayed on a banner put up at all PPR flats, will certainly assist the poor, he said.
“The welfare wing should also be on the ground during this time. What is the purpose of having a welfare financial aid body when it is not on the field to assist the people?
“Now, some people need money, and they want to withdraw from their Employees Provident Fund (EPF), but EPF has come out with a statement saying it is going to close its offices until June 14.
“So, what happens? The non-governmental organisations come to their aid – the Rotary Club, Sai Baba society, Buddhist groups… and groups like us. It is very sad.
“Go to any PPR unit and ask, and (residents will) say NGOs are coming more often to help them compared to their elected representatives.” – The Vibes, June 5, 2021
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