KOTA KINABALU: When Olivia Kwan turned nine earlier this month, her parents asked what presents she wanted; the couple’s only child said she wished for something simple, yet meaningful.

       “I don’t want any presents, Mummy. I want to donate and help the needy,” said the Year Three pupil to her mother, Josephine Lai.

       Lai went on to ask some friends how to make her daughter’s wish come true, and they suggested that they could channel money to their local district leader to help the community.

       “I managed to get in touch with Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin and his team and told them we wanted to donate some money on our daughter’s behalf,” she said.

       The money bought some 240 packets of rice at 5kg each, helping at least a hundred families from all cultural and racial backgrounds affected by the pandemic in the Kota Kinabalu area.

       When asked how she felt about her act of kindness, Olivia said she was very happy she could help others in her own way.

       She said she did not do this to be famous, or because she wanted her friends to see what she did.

       “This is just my simple birthday wish to help others in need especially during this Merdeka month.”

       Olivia said she has been hearing her mum talk about how many people have lost their jobs and income due to Covid-19, and that many can’t even put meals on the table.

       “I don’t want anyone to go hungry. I want everyone to have food,” she said, adding that she hopes all Malaysians will continue to live together harmoniously and peacefully in this country.