GEORGE TOWN – The Penang Hindu Association has called on companies and medical related bodies to distribute fresh supplies of face masks and essential medical supplies to the poor, as many have been spotted reusing their face masks for weeks.
Its president P. Murugiah said while most continue to provide food aid to the group in the state, face masks were mostly distributed during the first movement control order (MCO) last year.
“During the second and third period of the MCO, I believe not many people were providing face masks to the poor.
“When we were providing food aid, recently, we noticed these people wearing old face masks.
“I asked them how long they have been using these disposable masks, and they told me they have been reusing them for a long time.
“Some of them, I noticed, even had holes, which I believe were eaten up by cockroaches, and they continue to use them,” he said.
Despite various efforts by many parties to distribute food aid to those affected by the pandemic, Murugiah said the affected group is also in need of fresh medical supplies such as face masks, sanitiser and disposable gloves in an effort to keep themselves safe during the pandemic.
Those affected, he said, cannot afford to keep restocking these supplies as they need to use the little money they have to buy food to feed their families.
“Many of them have lost their jobs and their main source of income as a consequence of the pandemic.
“The medical equipment business is doing very well, and is currently booming,” he said.
With these factors taken into consideration, the association, he said, is appealing to companies to render such aid under their respective corporate social responsibility initiatives to sponsor and distribute essential medical supplies to B40 and M40 families, as well as to orphanages and old folks’ homes.
Murugiah also extended the appeal to private hospitals, pharmacies and medical supply outlets.
“If permitted by the medical act, the (medical bodies) could also consider distributing over-the-counter, non-prescription, basic medicine like paracetamol, vitamins and also adhesive bandages that can be used by the affected group.”
He said if restaurants and cafes, despite dwindling business,can aid the community by setting up food banks and handing out free food, medical bodies can also afford to do the same.
“At present, some hospitals are charging RM2 per mask.
“However, when we buy a box of 10 surgical masks, it costs us RM6.00, which means one piece is RM0.60. They are earning a lot from it.
“At other places, they are selling a piece at about RM1.50. Some people can’t afford it because they don’t even have enough to put petrol in their motorcycles.
“Also, what about those who have not been taking their medication for their conditions just because they can’t afford them?” he asked.
He added that with assistance from companies and medical bodies, the affected families could get a better lease on their daily lives.
Penang Hindu Association is among the numerous NGOs that have embarked on food aid missions since the beginning of the pandemic last year.
They have been reaching out to locals and refugees, providing food and monetary aid to those in need. – The Vibes, July 13, 2021
