Local residents in the Komtar constituency helping themselves to free perishables from the Mutiara Food Bank at the Macalister MPKK collection point along Lorong Madras, Penang. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
A VIBRANT array of vegetables and fruit was laid out for residents in the Komtar constituency in Penang, during the latest monthly distribution by the Mutiara Food Bank.
The spread offered a variety of produce including bak choy, kailan, spinach, long beans and capsicums, alongside mushrooms, onions, eggplants and chillies.
Residents also had their pick of fruits including oranges, apples, strawberries, mangoes, pears and guavas.
Before the residents arrived, every item was inspected and cleaned by the Macalister Village Community Management Council (MPKK) members.
Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng said these distributions at the Madras Lane collection point occur once a month or every two months, depending on the volume of supplies rescued.
Teh: Distribution is done on a first-come, first-served basis.
“The supplies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis,” Teh said.
“We usually provide several days’ notice via social media regarding the location. We work in close partnership with the Mutiara Food Bank to ensure all perishables are in good condition for consumption.”
The initiative is a lifeline for households in the B40 income bracket – those earning up to RM5,858 a month – who are hit hardest by food inflation.
By providing staples such as vegetables, fruits, biscuits and buns, the programme covers a significant portion of a family’s monthly grocery expenditure.
“Our target groups include residents of the Taman Manggis People’s Housing Project and other areas where the need is greatest,” Teh added.
“Beyond the financial savings, it encourages a healthier diet by making fresh produce accessible to those who might otherwise struggle to afford it.”
Teh hoped the frequency of the distributions would be increased to further mitigate the financial strain on his constituents.
Zuriah with the vegetables and fruits that she picked during the food bank distribution.
For 50-year-old widow Zuriah Ismail, a resident of the Taman Manggis flats, the most recent distribution was her first experience with the food bank.
She admitted to being surprised by the generosity of the programme.
“I did not realise they would allow us to take so much home.
“This will last me an entire week and significantly reduce my marketing expenses.”
Zuriah, who lost her husband three years ago, said she was unable to work as she needed to care for her disabled daughter.
While her two other children contribute to household costs, they have their own financial responsibilities to manage.
“I manage and make do with what I have, but even basic produce has become expensive lately. Initiatives like this truly ease the burden.”
After the collection, Zuriah planned to return home to prepare the vegetables that required swift consumption.
“I mainly took leafy greens to make vegetable soup,” she said.
“Now, all I need to do is buy some fish or chicken to ensure a balanced meal for my daughter and me.” – By N. TRISHA
