Penang’s One Hope distributes RM11.4 mil food, masks, medical equipment amid pandemic

GEORGE TOWN – The Bukit Mertajam-based One Hope Charity and Welfare has distributed over 15,000 food packs worth RM3.4 million since January to aid the poor and underprivileged during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chairman Chua Sui Hau said the non-governmental organisation has been collecting the details of individuals and families in need of assistance, as well as seeking help from community leaders and local civil groups.

“We continue to reach out to the needy and underprivileged who are financially burdened due to loss of jobs, fewer working hours or salary cuts because of the continued movement controls since March last year.

“We have to thank our donors, who are the pillars of the organisation and contribute generously to our welfare and charity work. They understand our needs to serve the community.”

One Hope early this year distributed 4,200 food packs through Penang’s 40 assemblymen, and an additional 5,000 packs through its Covid-19 Relief Programme.

Under this programme, the group recently organised the distribution of 3,900 food packs via 13 reps, earning praise from Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

One Hope was instrumental in converting the Balik Pulau Sport Complex and Mara Skills Institute in Jawi into low-risk Covid-19 treatment centres. It also sponsored equipment for the setting up of a 27-bed field intensive care unit at Kepala Batas Hospital in May.

Besides food aid, it has spent RM8 million on donating masks, sanitiser and medical equipment.

Meanwhile, the Sanmuga Catering and Restaurant group in Bukit Mertajam today distributed 1,300 free meals to the poor as part of a charity drive that will go on until July 31.

Owner S. Krishnan, 59, said he initially started with 900 food packs before increasing the figure to 1,300 due to high demand.

“Those who show up come from as far as Simpang Ampat, Juru, Seberang Jaya, Bukit Tengah and Prai. 

“I spend about RM2,400 a day on this. We also receive bags of rice and vegetables from the public, which help ease our burden.

“I have 12 volunteers who assist me in cooking and packing the meals, while NGO representatives and individuals collect the food for distribution.” 

Krishnan, who has been in the restaurant and catering business for 25 years, said helping the poor is his responsibility, with his wife S. Sanmugavalli, 51, and their five children also lending a hand. – The Vibes, July 16, 2021