Putting cash in people’s hands better than food aid, says Bayan Baru MP

GEORGE TOWN – If you were in need of aid, which would you choose – food or cash? On this, Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin is convinced that cash is more practical during this difficult time.

“The hand that extends help does not necessarily understand the needs of the hand that receives help. This is a fact that happens and we need to accept it.

“They are worried that if they give cash, the money will be misused to buy items such as cigarettes, etc,” said Sim.

However, the PKR lawmaker explained that many who receive aid with kitchen items may be embarrassed to say that the items given are neither what they need or want.

“These families may need items like pampers or formula milk. Others need money to pay utility bills, rent arrears, repair a leaky roof, top-up a prepaid phone data card or pay car instalments.

The Food Basket Programme involving RM80 million for the distribution of RM300,000 for each MP, including from the opposition, began being channelled out at the start of this month.

In providing the food baskets, there is a list of rules and guidelines that must be adhered to including the distribution of food items and necessities worth RM100 to the needy.

As of Wednesday, a total of 438,376 food baskets have been successfully distributed to the affected groups.

“But what has been a topic of debate among parliamentarians is the needs of each constituency which are different. For example, what is the rationale for giving rice to people who are rice farmers?” asked Sim.

“I hope the federal government can provide flexibility in the allocation of RM300,000 to MPs to provide assistance according to the situation and needs of the local people.

“We believe that such assistance is more effective and relevant to meet the needs of recipients.”

Sim has been working with David Benjamin Lim, a native of Penang who graduated with a PhD from America’s Stanford University, to raise funds in his constituency through Give.Asia.

They have currently collected approximately RM20,000 in donations and through the Give.Asia fund, they have been channelled to eligible recipients after several screenings and reviews.

Recipients who qualify will receive RM100 in cash on a one-off basis.

The idea to donate cash instead of items arose when Lim ran a food distribution campaign for some 100 cab drivers in the Bayan Baru area on June 18.

“One of these cab drivers, upon receiving his bag of food said: ‘Thanks for this, unfortunately, my cab was repossessed yesterday because I could not afford to pay my loan.

“That’s when the penny dropped for us. Sure, food is a necessity but many are in need of other things too. For instance, money for their loan repayments, hospital bills, random miscellaneous things, etc.

“Rather than trying to play God and set up funds for every little nitty-gritty thing, it is more advantageous to just give direct cash to those in need, and let them decide for themselves what they need the money for.

“This allows us to be maximally efficient and reach out to as many families as possible.

“Everyone has the wisdom to make the best decision for themselves or their family, especially when they are desperate,” said Lim.

Meanwhile, the Penang Forward Sports Club (PFSC) has kick-started a charity project to help the underprivileged and those adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The club is distributing 500 food baskets to the needy and are also looking to provide other forms of assistance such as medical support and financial assistance through the ‘Forward Care’ initiative in the future.

In commending their effort, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said it has been a difficult year for everyone since 2020.

“Nevertheless, we still see many associations, NGOs, corporate companies and individuals coming forward to assist the Penang government in helping the community.

“I think this is the most challenging period that we have ever faced. The Covid-19 pandemic affects almost everyone from individuals, families, business enterprises, to even the governments.

“Hence, we welcome more associations to help the needy in Penang during these difficult times,” said Chow. – The Vibes, July 11, 2021