A TOTAL of 800 recipients from Kinrara state constituency in Selangor benefitted from this year’s Deepavali edition of the “Jom Shopping” programme, nearly double the number initially approved.
“Some 450 recipients were initially identified for this constituency as part of Jom Shopping Perayaan Deepavali,” said Kinrara assemblyman Ng Sze Han.
“But because demand was high, I approached V. Papparaidu, the state executive councillor in charge, to request extra vouchers and he increased the allocation to 800,” he said.
“Priority was given to those who are not recipients of other existing initiatives, such as the state government’s Bingkas welfare programme.”
He estimated that there were over 130,000 voters in Kinrara, 15% to 18% of whom are from the Indian community.
Sze Han, who is also Selangor investment, trade and mobility committee chairman, said this when met during the programme at Giant Bandar Kinrara in Puchong.
The event saw the distribution of RM200 shopping vouchers to assist recipients with their Deepavali preparations.
The Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) also set up a counter for people to register or check their status for the “Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah” cash aid scheme.
“Whenever we hold a community programme, we invite agencies from the Federal Government to provide mobile counter services, as some of these initiatives may not be widely known among residents,” Sze Han said.
Taman Industri Puchong couple S. Sandrakumaran and R. Kalsilay, both aged 63, were first-time beneficiaries of the “Jom Shopping Perayaan Deepavali” programme.
“We are very happy to get the voucher,” said Sandrakumaran.
His wife Kalsilay said the help came in handy to buy supplies such as curry powder, muruku flour, seasoning and coconut milk, as well as to stock up on household essentials such as bread and cooking oil.
Similarly, M. Ganesh and wife B. Mala, both 50, used the voucher for household provisions and festive items.
“We have received the festive shopping voucher several times over the years, and are very grateful as it helps reduce our Deepavali expenses,” said Ganesh, who lives in Taman Kinrara 4.
Also present at the event were Subang Jaya city councillors Lee Jen Uyin, Mehanatan Embamurthi and Ng Seow Chen.
