JOHOR BARU: Just like locals, foreigners are also in a bind since the movement control order (MCO) was imposed starting from March 18 but thanks to some Good Samaritans and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) giving them some food aid, their plight has been eased.
While some foreigners working in essential services sector were able to continue earning, others lost their source of income and faced difficulties in even buying food.
Volunteers from the Nepalese Ministry, an arm under Calvary City Church, were among those who reached out to help foreigners working in Johor Baru.
Its pastor Dr A. Charles said members of the church had donated foodstuff to help lighten their burden during this difficult times.
“We received donations such as vegetables, eggs and basic necessities.
“We have distributed items collected at a hostel in Senai where dozens of foreigners are housed, ” he said, adding that some 200 people comprising Nepalese, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Indians and Bangladeshi had received aid so far.
Social worker and retired teacher Peter Soo, 65, said he was helping 30 Rohingya families in Kluang.
“When I was told that some Rohingya children were seen scavenging for food outside local supermarkets, I decided to do something to help.
He said he contacted several individuals, including the Asia Pacific Forum on Families (APFAM) president Puan Sri Dr Jamillah Ariffin and local philanthropist Datuk Jimmy Low, to get help
He said they contributed the much-needed aid.
“Within a day I received food items such as rice, flour, sugar and eggs, all of which were distributed to the Rohingya families here, ” he said.
Gerakan Cinta Sesama, a group made up of people from various countries including Indonesia, India, Singapore as well as locals, established following the MCO, are giving aid to Indonesians in need here.
Volunteer Ratna Hartawan said some 800 packs consisting of basic necessities including rice, cooking oil, sugar and eggs as well as 120 packs of infant formula were handed over to the Indonesia Consulate General in Johor Baru to be distributed to the needy.
“We hope this will help ease their burden and the items will reach recipients as soon as possible, ” she said.
Indonesia Consulate General in Johor Baru, Sunarko, said as of April 4, some 1,396 packs of basic necessities were distributed to its citizens living in Johor.
“We are trying our best to help all those in need of assistance, ” he said.
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