Food aid for traders affected by Menglembu wet market fire

Foong presenting a box of food items to market trader KM Sivaam.

BATU Gajah MCA presented food boxes to nine traders after a fire damaged their stalls at the Menglembu wet market.

The division’s assistant secretary Foong Lai Kien said the traders had requested for assistance from MCA as they could not operate following the fire.

“Half of them are senior folk and they are all staying at home. Their stalls are badly damaged and this has affected their income.

“We hope the boxes comprising essential food items such as rice, noodles, sugar, tea and coffee will ease their financial burden.

“They have also asked us to follow up with Ipoh City Council on the repair works so that they can reopen for business soon, ” she said.

Foong said the fire occurred at about 11pm on May 22.

“The cause of the fire is still being investigated by the Fire and Rescue Department, ” she added.

The presentation of the food boxes to the recipients coincided with Wesak Day.

“Wesak is a time for all Buddhists to reflect and uphold the fundamental values of tolerance, compassion and service to humanity as embodied in Buddha’s teachings.

“Peace, happiness and good morals are also important aspects of the religion, ” said Foong.

Separately, she said the roadside counter to help people register for the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme that was set up near the market area would be stopped for now because of the enhanced movement control order.

“We want to prevent people from gathering, so we have halted it.“I am still helping the people to register through WhatsApp or online, ” she said, adding that she was now a volunteer at the vaccination centre in Batu Gajah.

Those in need of assistance to register for the vaccine can call Foong at 016-723 7685 or Leslie Cheow at 012-636 0203.