Over 700 Food Packs For B40 Families Found Undistributed For 2 Weeks In Cheras
Several opposition MPs alleged there has been unfair distribution of the COVID-19 food aid.
By May Vin Ang — 22 Apr 2020, 12:07 PM
750 government-sponsored packets of COVID-19 food aid for the lower income group have been found undistributed at the Bandar Tun Razak Sports Complex, according to Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai
The DAP chairperson said the food aid, including groceries and rice, were intended for distribution to 1,000 B40 families in his constituency, but have been left in the building for two weeks instead.
"The sports complex was chosen as the place to keep 2,000 food packs. A thousand for Cheras and 1,000 for Bandar Tun Razak," Tan told Malaysiakini on Monday, 20 April.
"Bandar Tun Razak's share of the food packs were distributed much earlier, but then the Cheras one, because I'm not a member of the ruling coalition, I was denied my share."
Several opposition MPs have been crying foul over the alleged unfair distribution of the food packs by the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry
According to Malaysiakini, last week, Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh claimed that only 250 packs were delivered by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to her constituency, instead of the promised amount of 1,000 food packs.
She alleged that 54 opposition-held constituencies have received none or fewer food baskets than the 1,000 promised for the needy.
Meanwhile, Malay Mail reported that Penang state's JKM was instructed to only distribute to selected coordinators by Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mansor Othman, who is also the Nibong Tebal MP.
Balik Pulau MP Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik from PKR said he had given 1,000 names to receive the aid to the department, but had yet to receive any as of Monday, 20 April.
Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin from PKR also said they have been waiting for two weeks since the state JKM promised each MP 1,000 food baskets on 30 March.
Minister Rina Harun, however, has denied these claims and insisted that no parties were forgotten or left behind
She said the distribution of the food baskets was based on complaints received from JKM in the respective states, community leaders, and via Talian Kasih.
"This food basket assistance targeted the group of people who are directly affected, especially those who have no income to obtain their daily needs," she told reporters after distributing the food aid to residents of a low-cost apartment in Kajang today, 22 April.
According to Bernama, JKM has distributed 301,451 food baskets nationwide, benefiting 1.2 million households affected by the Movement Control Order (MCO).
