IN VIEW of economic constraints faced by people in the wake of Covid-19, Agrobank has taken proactive measures with the implementation of its “Agrobank and Community” initiative.

       The initiative was developed with the co-operation of Agrobank’s small and medium enterprise (SMEs) entrepreneurs who distributed food packs to 1,600 needy recipients nationwide, covering eight regions.

       Agrobank covering president and chief executive officer Khadijah Iskandar said, “Agrobank is aware of the difficulties faced by certain communities, such as loss of income and lower earnings due to salary cuts by employers.

       “The bank has taken the initiative to co-operate with Agrobank SME entrepreneurs by developing this initiative, benefiting 1,600 recipients nationwide with a total contribution worth RM100,000.

       “The interesting part is that through this programme, Agrobank can assist our SME entrepreneurs to continue with their business by buying their products.

       “These entrepreneurs also had the opportunity to contribute part of their sales, according to their affordability, to underprivileged groups,” she said.

       The food packs included basic food items, such as rice, sugar and flour among others.

       They were bought by Agrobank regional offices from Agrobank SME entrepreneurs.

       Khadijah added that Agrobank’s initiative also helped reduce its SME entrepreneurs cash flow burden due to the pandemic.

       Meanwhile, some 7,000 souvenirs and Agrobank corporate items valued at RM43,000 had also been distributed at five vaccination centres (PPV) around Klang Valley.

       Hand fans, pens and mineral water were distributed at people’s housing projects (PPR) Seri Melaka; PPV Axiata at Bukit Jalil; mobile vaccine centres at PPR Seri Sarawak and PPR Seri Kota as well as a PPV at Kampung Malaysia Tambahan.

       This initiative was to appreciate the commitment of those who got vaccinated, thereby contributing to Malaysia achieving herd immunity soon.