THE Bukit Gasing community in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, collected 1,800kg of rice through its first Chinese New Year Bai Jia Mi programme.
The initiative is rooted in a traditional practice emphasising shared blessings and collective goodwill.
Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran said the programme drew inspiration from the Chinese Hundred-Family Quilt tradition where families contributed pieces of fabric to make a quilt symbolising unity and care.
“Applying the same values, this programme encouraged residents to contribute a small amount of rice from each household, which was collected, mixed and redistributed as a symbol of shared blessings with the community,” he said in a statement.
Rice collection took place over nearly two weeks with distribution to those in need in surrounding areas carried out at Pasar Sentosa in Section 17.
Rajiv said the response was especially meaningful as this was the first time the programme was being held.
“It symbolises how small contributions from individual households can have a wider impact,” he said, adding that the community hoped to continue the tradition.
