Residents of Johor Baru Handicapped and Mentally Disabled Children Association doing their daily exercises at their shelter.
JOHOR-based charity organisations are hoping the Federal Government will speed up the disbursement of allocations for them under Budget 2024.
Johor Baru Handicapped and Mentally Disabled Children Association president S. Murugaiyah said the move would help ease their financial burden.
“Many charity bodies are in difficult situations now due to the weakening of the ringgit and inflation,” he said when contacted.“When times are bad, benefactors either reduce their donations or temporarily stop giving.
“Unwavering support from the federal and state governments will ensure we are able to do our duty to improve society,” he said.
Murugaiyah added that the home received RM374,000 in federal grants this year.
“However, the money can only be used for residents’ meals and we still need to raise money to run the place,” he said, hoping the Federal Government would consider increasing the sum, taking into account the high cost of living.
The current RM8 for meals for each resident was based on calculations made in 2009.
The shelter has 190 residents aged between nine and 60, with 100 more on the waiting list. It is unable to take in more residents due to financial constraints and shortage of employees.
“We have 46 staffers including caregivers. We need 10 to 20 new employees, but getting locals to work with us is not easy,” said Murugaiyah, who hoped that the government would allow them to employ foreigners as caregivers.
The association in Taman Saleng, Kulai, was founded 33 years ago. It needs between RM1.6mil and RM1.8mil yearly for its operations.
The organisation also runs similar homes for some 200 residents in Banting (Selangor), Bukit Baru (Melaka), Kuantan (Pahang) and Kuala Terengganu (Terengganu).
For details, call 07-598 9676 or visit www.handicapjb.org.my
Johor Disabled Children Charitable and Cares Organisa-tion vice-president R. Rajasegar said they last received Federal Government funds two years ago.
“We are fortunate that our regular donors including individuals as well as businesses and temple associations continued to assist us during difficult times,” said Rajasegar, adding that total donations were between RM5,000 and RM8,000 monthly.
The shelter needs about RM20,000 monthly.
The funds go towards the care of 22 residents, salaries of three caregivers and rent.
“We are now looking for a new place as our home can no longer take in new residents,” he said, adding that there are 20 children on the waiting list.
For details, call Rajasegar at 010-883 8329 or visit the shelter at 1, Jalan Keembong 45, Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Baru. – By ZAZALI MUSA
