The Malaysian Insight

A FAMILY in Shah Alam, Selangor, turned the front of their house into a food aid distribution centre for those in the neighbourhood hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

For three hours yesterday afternoon, more than 150 people turned up at a gazebo in front of a corner-lot bungalow in Section 19 to take what they needed, such as rice, cooking oil, instant noodles, tinned sardines, sugar and flour.

“We set up the stall at 1.30pm and by 4.30pm, everything was snapped up,” said Marissa Zahara Maslan whose family came up with this idea to help the needy.

“Once my parents bought the supplies, we placed it at our gazebo outside the house, hoping people would take it.

“It was our first time doing such a thing and we were not sure how to execute it. It was a bit chaotic as we had to go back and forth to restock the supplies.

“In the beginning I think people were not sure if they could take it, but later when we put up a sign saying ‘percuma, sila ambil ikut keperluan’ (free, please take what you need), that’s when people started coming,” said the 24-year-old.

More people started showing up after she tweeted about what her family were doing and people started sharing it on their Facebook and Instagram platforms.

Those who turned up were from various backgrounds, such as foreign workers, students who were stranded but still had to pay rent, and families who lost their jobs due to the movement control order (MCO).

“We know times are tough which is why we are trying our best as a family to play our part in helping those in need,” said Marissa.

“The response was overwhelming to a point where people started messaging me asking whether they can contribute as well.

“For now we are not ready for that as it is a huge responsibility to hold on to other people’s money.”

The family spent RM5,000 to buy the provisions which were distributed yesterday.

Marissa said the idea for this charity drive came from her parents – her father is the managing director of a property development company, while her mother is a former English professor.

She said her family will probably hold another aid giveaway at their house this coming week and will ensure to plan it better. – January 31, 2021.