By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, June 5: It is heart warming to see professionals and the business community join hands to give food assistance to 261 families, said Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Batu Lintang chief Sih Hua Tong.
Sih said senior lawyer Shankar Ram Asnani, Datuk Bong Ah Loi, Alvin Wong as well as businessman Kapitan Tan King Yew and Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd (CMS) managing director Datuk Isaac Lugun today had come forward by pooling their resources to give basic food items to these families.
“Due to Covid 19, many families, especially those who have big families, as well as those who live hand to mouth really need some help.
“A lot of our people of low income are suffering economic stress now, due to the economic standstill caused by the virus. But we are thankful we have kind-hearted people who are most willing to come forth to help those who are in need.
“They may not be able to help everyone, but at least they can help someone. And if everyone who can help can come forward to help someone, then I believe it will be easier for our society to go through this tough time,” said Sih when giving away the food aid at the five foot way of a shop lot along Jalan Tun Jugah.
Also present were Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Sim Kui Hian, Temenggong Tan Joo Phoi who was formerly Batu Kawa assemblyman and Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations president Datuk Richard Wee.
Sih said even though Sarawak is slowly opening up its economy, those of low income group who just started to work, have not yet received their pay.
“So for us to distribute food now, I think it is timely and we hope whatever we give can help ease the pain of those who in need,” said Sih who has just recently been appointed as Commission Member of Kuching North City Council.
Meanwhile, Shankar Ram said the Movement Control Order and Conditional Movement Control Order imposed to curb coronavirus have hit hard those who are daily paid workers.
“We owe to them to help them to go through this difficult time. For this food aid distribution, we are giving to all, regardless of races and religions, so they include Dayaks, Chinese, Indians and Malays. We also included one Indonesian family,” said Shankar Ram.
For Bong, the reason for him to be involved was simple.
“It is a known fact that during the time of MCO and CMCO, many cannot return to work, be it full time or part time, and because of that, many do really need help.
“We help because we are able to and some really need the help, it is as simple as that,” said Bong.—DayakDaily
