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JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor state government launched an initiative to send 1,000 food baskets to needy Malaysians who are based in Singapore, Chief Minister Hasni Mohammad said on Thursday (December 3).
In a statement, Hasni said the initiative, which was first announced when he presented the Johor State Budget last week, is aimed at lightening the burden and helping “needy” Malaysians residing in the city-state.
Due to border restrictions amid COVID-19, many Malaysians working in Singapore live in rented accommodation as they are unable to commute. Many are separated from their families and some of them have reportedly struggled to cope with increased living expenses.
READ: ‘Like a meal a day’: Some Malaysians who lost their jobs in Singapore were left stranded and penniless
Hasni said: “The first phase of the mission – presenting and distributing 300 food baskets costing RM30,000 (S $ 9,900) – will be done soon and the rest will be done in stages.”
He added that the initiative is a collaboration between the Johor State Government and the Malaysian High Commissioner in Singapore.
READ: Can the poor of Malaysia cope with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Mr. Hasni also confirmed that the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore on Jervois Road will be the center for the collection and distribution of the food baskets.
In addition to food, the baskets also include personal care products and blankets.
In the statement, the prime minister also thanked the Malaysian government’s non-profit organizations and departments for helping with the initiative.
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