KUANTAN: Social media stories of people who lost their jobs and suffering from hunger during the Covid-19 pandemic deeply touched a teacher who decided to set up a food bank in front of her house in Indera Mahkota here.

       Murnizam Muda, a teacher of SK Assunta Convent, said she could not bear to see members of the community not being able to buy food, especially those with young children.

       Fondly called Cikgu Murni, the 42-year-old mother of four said despite spending thousands of ringgit from her own savings each week, she considered it as a contribution to society apart from being a full-time school teacher.

       “I started giving assistance last year by sending foodstuff to the homes of needy people but of late the Covid-19 cases have gone up very high and I was afraid of going out, so starting early this month, I set up a table under a tree and put basic food items and anybody can come to take them for free,” she said.

       The food bank looks like a mini sundry shop which is open from 8am to 7pm for people to pick up essential foodstuff such as rice, flour, sugar, eggs, cooking oil and soy sauce.

       Murnizam said almost every day after the home-based teaching and learning session was over, she would go out to buy the basic food items at the supermarket around Kuantan for distribution the next day.

       “I buy them in large quantities daily to top up the items on the table, about four to seven times a week, spending more than RM500, which is a large sum but I am happy as the people do not have to go hungry.

       “There were many sad cases of suicide and hunger recently. My contribution may not be much but I hope it has helped ease the burden of those in need,” she added.

       In fact, according to Murnizam, her little effort has caught the attention of her neighbours and colleagues who have also contributed in cash and kind.

       “Sometimes, they would just put the food items on the table while some contributed cash for me to buy the groceries,” she said.

       According to the English and Arts teacher, sometimes she would engage delivery service to help individuals who have no transport and are living quite far away.

       “Some contact me via Facebook and told me their problems such as running out of money or not having transport, so I engage runners to send the foodstuff to their houses,” she said. — Bernama