Over 40,000 Covid-19 aid kits handed out in Ayer Hitam

YONG PENG: More than 40,000 Covid-19 relief assistance kits, which include food items, have been distributed to the needy in the Ayer Hitam parliamentary constituency.

Transport Minister and Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said this was possible due to the support of and contributions from various non-governmental organisations which have been providing relief to the less fortunate for the past two years.

"I thank them for their efforts and cooperation where more than 40,000 sets of aid items were successfully handed out via the Ayer Hitam MP service centre.

"While open houses are not allowed in adherence with the Covid-19 standard operating procedure, I held a Chinese New Year reception to celebrate the festive season with the leaders and representatives of 16 NGOs from Yong Peng and Ayer Hitam," he said in a Facebook post on Friday (Feb 4).

He added that such strong ties should be further strengthened for the sake of the people in the Ayer Hitam parliamentary constituency.

The MCA president said he also spoke about the future developments of Ayer Hitam and Yong Peng during the function.

Dr Wee said in another Facebook post that he also had the opportunity to stop by several coffeeshops in Yong Peng to chat with and wish Happy Chinese New Year to the voters in the Ayer Hitam Parliamentary constituency.

"I was able to chat with locals on a variety of current topics and issues.

"One of the most positive responses is that the price of oil palm fruit has now reached RM1,200/ton compared to RM330/ton in November 2019 during the Pakatan Harapan rule.

"All oil palm smallholders are very grateful because oil palm prices are now vastly different from 2019 where Pakatan leaders at the time were constantly quarreling with countries with buying power like India while also having less familiar diplomatic relations with China," he said adding that as a result, palm oil prices plummeted and smallholders suffered.

May the government remain stable for the prosperity and well-being of the people, he said.