GEORGE TOWN – Penang Hindu Association (PHA) president P Murugiah is requesting that the state government continue providing aid for the urban poor even though it has been two years since the Covid-19 pandemic started.
In the last six months, he said that the donations from the state government, non-governmental organisations and the public have significantly reduced.
“At the beginning (of the pandemic), many were rushing to provide aid, there were so many things, but now it has dwindled.
“Despite this, the number of urban poor has not decreased but seems to be increasing.
“There are more homeless people now. Just walk along Penang Road, Komtar and some areas along Kimberly Street in George Town, you can see people living on the streets, some of them with their family,” he told The Vibes.
Many of those in poverty now, he said, are unable to return to how it was during the pre-pandemic times as they are unable to secure a stable job due to their age and education level.
It is said that basic job offerings now require a person to take on the workload of two people for a salary of one individual.
“Some of them have also exhausted their Employees Provident Fund savings to pay for what is needed.
“On top of these issues, the room and house rental cost has increased, along with transportation costs,” he said.
To aid needy families, PHA along with Klinik Derma Sivasanta (KDS) have been raising funds to help the urban poor.
In January alone, they managed to support 65 B40 families of different races with food aid and token cash while last month, similar aid was distributed to another 75 families including refugees.
“I believe it is time for the state government to conduct another survey and check the statistics of the poverty level in Penang again.
“What is happening now cannot go on. We need the government’s help to continue providing aid because we can only reach out to a limited number of people.
“There are more who need aid.
“Maybe they should reactivate the hotline for the needy to call to get aid,” he said.
Despite the tiring efforts and the obstacles faced, PHA and KDS are determined to continue with their role as caring bodies to provide support for the destitute and give them hope that society still cares for them.
One of their ongoing sponsors is Penang Food Aid.
As appeals for aid continue to pour in, they hope to keep receiving public support for their food aid project.
Those wishing to contribute to the cause may contact Murugiah at 016-4449246. – The Vibes, March 1, 2022
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