Shelf filled with foodstuff for the needy

The Gebok Rezeki shelf is filled with dry grocery items for the needy.

CONCERNED about the well-being of the needy during the movement control order (MCO), a husband-and-wife team have placed a shelf outside their home in Taman Murni, Parit Buntar and filled it with grocery items.

Kamaruddin Shah, who is self-employed, and his wife Dr Nurulakmal Sharif put sundry goods like rice, flour, sugar and dry food in the cabinet, to be taken by those who require these items during the MCO.

“We started this initiative since the MCO began and have spent more than RM2,000 on the foodstuff so far.

“We are fortunate to have friends and family members who donated money to get more food items to meet the demands of families requiring these items, ” he said when contacted.

“There are also times that we find the shelf filled with items without our knowledge, ” he said, adding that the shelf was open to the public round-the-clock.

Kamaruddin, 46, said about 100 people had benefited from the initiative which they have named Gebok Rezeki.“Initially it was just for the needy staying near our house but we now have people coming from other areas like Bagan Tiang, Tanjung Piandang and Sungai Aceh, Penang, to get the free groceries.

“They are allowed to take whatever they need as it is tough for some people to get food supplies during the MCO, ” he said.

“We are doing our best to help those who are less fortunate.”

Kamarudin and his wife Dr Nuralakmal set up the food shelf outside their home in Taman Murni, Parit Buntar.

Kamaruddin said the idea to have the food shelf outside came about following their involvement in previous charity programmes.

“My wife and I distributed foodstuff to flood victims in Kelantan in 2014.

“Previously we packed dry grocery items and distributed them during the fasting month to the needy.

“Since movement is restricted, we came up with the idea for a shelf stocked with essential items instead, ” he added.

Kamarudin also said he was thankful that his neighbours had no complaints about the growing number of people coming to pick up items from the shelf.

“They are aware of our initiative to assist those who need these items during the MCO.

“We hope more people will carry out similar initiatives in their neighbourhoods as many have lost their source of income.

“As Malaysians, we need to help each other out during these tough times, ” he added.