KUALA LUMPUR – Eight lorries, each filled with at least 2,000 boxes of basic food necessities valued at RM100, are headed to the northern region, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.
He added that the initiative known as Bakul Rahmah under the Payung Rahmah Programme is meant for the B10 group in the country, which comprises about 127 families.
He said his ministry is aiming to help 37,000 families by the end of this year.
“Today, we launched eight lorries filled with at least 2,000 boxes, each with basic food necessities valued at RM100.
“The trucks will be covering the north, which is mainly Perak and Kedah as well as a small part of Perlis,” he said at its launch here today.
He added that the ministry did not spend a dime on the boxes as they were all contributions from Yayasan Global Mesra and other companies as well as hypermarkets.
“The Bakul Rahmah initiative does not cost the government anything, but we work with private companies to contribute to the nation.”
He added that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry aims to distribute 18,000 Bakul Rahmah during the Ramadan period.
He also said that the boxes will be sent to state assemblymen as well as village chiefs for distribution, adding that they are tasked to provide the ministry with updated data on the B10 community.
“Getting the right data is important because this initiative is specifically targeted for the B10 community.
“For example, those who have a family member with a chronic illness, or those who are unemployed, or those who have children but are struggling financially.”
He said there are programmes and initiatives for the other categories, such as Menu Rahmah and Pakej Rahmah, which are targeted for the B40 community and others.
Salahuddin added that the boxes will be distributed nationwide this year and hopes to help most of the needy before the Ramadan period and Aidilfitri festivities. – The Vibes, February 27, 2023
