JOHOR BARU: The implementation of the movement control order (MCO) since March 18, to contain the spread of Covid-19, has affected charity organisations financially.
Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation (Jaro) general manager Joseph Roy Arputham said several companies had stopped giving donations due to the uncertain economic situation.
“It is a difficult time not only for charity organisations like us but also for businesses and companies, ” he said at the Jaro complex in Jalan Sungai Chat here.
Joseph said that before the MCO, Jaro could make about RM500 in daily sales of handicraft created by its residents and displayed at the showroom in the complex.
He said there were no sales for the past two months.
“Jaro was closed to comply with the MCO and only reopened on May 4, under the conditional MCO.”
Joseph said the average monthly income was about RM20,000, from the sale of handicraft, bulk orders by companies and cash donations.
“We need funds to operate. Despite closing for two months, we still paid our employees their salaries, ” he said.
Joseph said 31 out of the 46 employees came back to work on Monday.
He explained that those above 60 years old and with mobility problems were advised to stay home.
Jaro was set up in 1952 for tuberculosis patients but later became a centre for the disabled.
Pertubuhan Kebajikan Shafar Johor Baru (PKSJB) founder Fauziah Sheikh Omar said donations for the charity body had declined by 70% since the start of the MCO.
“Ramadan is always a good month for us as many well-wishers come to our shelter to donate cash and items. But this year, it is really quiet for us, ” she said.
Fauziah said PKSJB needed about RM20,000 monthly to run the shelter.
“We need funds for the children’s school-related expenses, tuition fees, transportation and outdoor activities, ” she said.
The orphanage in Jalan Limau, Kampung Pasir in Tampoi, Johor Baru, for girls between seven and 12 years old, was set up in 2015.
Ark Centre administrative volunteer Poow My Ying said plans were made to hold an annual dinner to raise funds for the hospice centre on March 28 but was postponed due to the MCO.
She said the event was postponed to March next year as the centre had paid a deposit for the use of the venue.
“I hope the pandemic will be contained by then. We normally raise about RM250,000 from the annual fund-raising dinner and this money is used for our operating expenses, ” said Poow.
She said the centre’s walkathon, usually held on National Day on Aug, 31 or Malaysia Day on Sept 16, had also been postponed this year.
She said the centre was not taking any chances as both events involved large gatherings.
“We are still receiving donations via online banking during the MCO but the amount has declined significantly, ” she added.
Ark Centre in Taman Sutera, Johor Baru was opened in 2012. Its main aim is to provide quality care in a safe environment for terminally ill cancer patients.
The centre has nine full-time nurses, three administrative staff and several volunteer doctors.
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