LIPIS: Some 1,700 residents from 72 villages in Lipis parliamentary constituency received food basket aid under the Ziarah Kasih Programme which is held throughout the month of Ramadan, involving an allocation of RM170,000.

       Deputy Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad (pic) said the programme, which was held annually in collaboration with the agencies of the Ministry of Rural Development, mukim chiefs, village heads and the Lipis Umno Division committee, will end on Sunday (April 24) in Merapoh and Kechau.

       "I hope that this humble assistance given will bring joy to the local community, especially the needy, in the run-up to Aidilfitri.

       "As Muslims, of course, we will celebrate it as a sign of triumph after a month of fasting in the month of Ramadan," he said in a statement here on Saturday (April 22).

       At the programme, Abdul Rahman, who was also Lipis MP, also went down to the ground to present donations, besides spending time greeting the villagers. - Bernama