SIBU, Oct 26: Nasional Perwira Malaysia will be distributing between 600 to 700 sets of food baskets under the ‘Misi Prihatin Covid-19’ programme to those in need in Sarawak who are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The association’s deputy president Dato Fazmimahzan Mat Derus told at a press conference after the presentation of 200 food baskets to those in Sibu today that the items in the food baskets consist of dried food and were sent from West Malaysia and also bought locally.
He added that they had so far given out 1,000 sets to recipients from the first four series which took place at police stations in Paroi (July 13), Seremban (Aug 20), Nilai (Sept 3) and Batu Kiki (Sept 24).
The distribution at Lanang police station today was the first one in the State. It was jointly organised by My Sarawak Club and Perwira Malaysia Sarawak.
The recipients of the 200 sets include three schools (20 sets each), Sibu Hospital (40 sets), and Lanang police station (100 sets). A total of five wheelchairs were also given to recipients.
“We are holding the ceremony at police stations as it is easier to arrange for the SOP (standard operating procedure) for those present to follow. After Lanang police station today, we will be going to Siburan police station within this week. Overall we have 16 series to cover nationwide,” said Dato Fazmimahzan, who is also the advisor of My Sarawak Club.
He said that they were not only giving out food aid but also infant milk and children’s pampers.
“We have different sponsors who are not only food manufacturers but suppliers also. They are willing to sponsor and our task is to ensure that these aid are given to the targeted recipients,” he said.
On the newly formed Perwira Sarawak, he said it would have its annual general meeting this week to form its office bearer.
“Membership of Perwira is open to business entrepreneurs where they only have to pay RM70 membership fee. The interest of every members will be safeguarded especially during this pandemic when many business people are affected. So we will help provide them with capital to kick-start their business. There are also those like eatery operators who have lost their workers and we will find money to assist them,” he said.
The association currently has 200 members and it is targeting to increase it to 500 this year.
Sibu district deputy police chief, Supt Collin Babat was also present to thank Perwira Malaysia for the food aid, adding that it helped to lessen the burden of the recipients.
“This programme will also help to promote closer rapport between the community and the police,” he said. — DayakDaily
