Tuition teacher to help senior citizens shop for groceries during MCO

PETALING JAYA: With the movement control order (MCO) for two weeks beginning Wednesday (March 18), a tuition teacher has decided to help the senior citizens in Bangsar by shopping for their groceries.

Mayurni Patel posted to the Facebook group - The Republic of Bangsar - that she would be assisting senior citizens to purchase groceries for free.

She said that the idea to help purchase groceries came after the announcement was made by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday night (March 16).

"I saw my own dad and many other seniors feeling so insecure and vulnerable (after the announcement was made). One lady even broke down and cried as she felt helpless," she said.

Mayurni added that this prompted her to provide her services on the Facebook page, and did not want to increase the risk of the elderly to Covid-19 in crowded areas.

"The response so far is amazing. Many have come forward to give a helping hand as well," the 53-year old said when contacted by The Star.

Her post received more than 700 Likes and was shared over 10 times, with many applauding her effort.

"My message to others is please do your part to spread kindness within your own capacity. A random act of kindness is something that one does without a second thought," she added.

Aside from Mayurni, some hypermarkets such as Jaya Grocer and Mydin have decided to start operations earlier to cater to the elderly and disabled.

Jaya Grocer, on its Facebook page, wrote,"We are introducing special opening hours from 9.30am onwards, from March 18 to 31 at all outlets for elderly customers (senior citizens) and their caretakers.

"This initiative is to ensure that those in need can shop for their daily needs in a safe and worry-free environment," it said.

Meanwhile, Mydin noted that it will open 30 minutes earlier in all of its outlets.

It also included the opening times of its outlets nationwide in a Facebook post. (https://www.facebook.com/MydinMalaysia/posts/3133111620056753).