PETALING JAYA: Over the past 100 days, a group of Malaysian strangers has spent every weekend cooking meals and baking for a common cause – helping the underprivileged.

       Those who have benefited from the sweat and toil of the group calling themselves the Community Hub include those in the B40, migrants, refugees and the Orang Asli community.

       Based in the Klang Valley, they have been doing their part to help those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

       A total of 29,820 meals have been served over 16 days, mostly Saturdays, since they started on May 26.

       Siamy Tan Xuenee, 54, who mooted the idea just before the country entered its third movement control order, said some volunteers self-funded and cooked up to 300 meals from their own kitchens.

       She said some restaurants are paid a nominal fee to help with the effort.

       “From one home, we can only cook 100 to 200 meals, but collectively, we can cook 3,000 and more meals,” said Tan, who started to cook for an orphanage in May.

       “At the time, the number of cases was going up and all I was hearing were complaints.

       “I got sick of listening to this and wanted to be part of the solution,” she said.

       Others who heard about her initiative joined in, with most getting to know each other on WhatsApp or Facebook.

       All those participating must go through a Health Ministry course on preparing food and take a typhoid jab for food handlers.

       There are now about 35 families and several restaurants involved in the initiative.

       One weekend, they even managed to cook more than 4,000 meals.

       The meals are distributed by NGOs such as Beyond Borders.

       Tan said the meals must contain proteins and vegetables, besides carbs.

       “We serve not just filling meals, but food that will nourish,” added the retired architect who runs her own multilevel marketing business.

       The mother of three said a team of bakers also made buns, cupcakes and muffins.

       “There is no time to be tired and take a break, the reality is that the number of those in need, the jobless, homeless and hungry are increasing faster than we can cook,” she said.

       Beyond Borders founder Mahi Ramakrishnan said that she was in awe of The Community Hub’s efforts.

       “They are an epitome of compassion and grace. It shows their commitment to ensuring vulnerable communities don’t go hungry,” she said.