MELAKA: The Melaka branch of non-governmental organisation Aman Palestin Bhd will be distributing food baskets worth RM50 and cash of RM100 each to the state’s residents whose income has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its manager Muhammad Zulfikar Azlan Mohd Shariff said the aid through the Perwira Covid-19 3.0 Fund, to be given in stages soon, was part of the allocation of about RM1mil for 6,665 recipients across the country.
He said RM1.5mil had earlier been collected through the Perwira Covid-19 Fund 1.0 and 2.0 during the movement control order 1.0 and 2.0 period, which was also used to assist affected groups and institutions.
“Previously, we had been focusing on assisting the Health Ministry purchase critical health equipment like ventilators to lessen its burden following the increase in Covid-19 cases.
“But for the coming phase, we will focus 80% of the funds on helping people whose income has been affected by the pandemic,” he told reporters after handing over frozen korban meat to 300 needy individuals yesterday.
The distribution will be via drive-throughs, besides three NGOs and eight mosques around Ayer Keroh.
Muhammad Zulfikar said the aid channelled was Aman Palestin’s show of gratitude for the contributions received from Malaysians in helping Palestinians through the fund it had initiated.
On a related development, he said Aman Palestin had so far managed to collect RM12mil to build the Malaysia Gaza Peninsula Palestine Rehabilitation and Mental Health Centre, which would cost RM30mil for the first phase.
He said the remaining cost of RM18mil for the project was expected to be collected by year-end so that the hospital could be ready in the first quarter of next year.
“According to the United Nations, one out of every two Palestinian children are undergoing acute depression and trauma due to the war, loss of their loved ones and a very difficult life.
“So, we hope the hospital can help these children to have a better life,” he added. — Bernama