PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are known for their generosity towards the less fortunate, especially during the festive season.
But the recent economic downturn and rising cost of living have affected not only the people, but also the homes caring for orphans and the underprivileged.
Persatuan Rumah Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Dan Ibu Tunggal (Hajah Kamariah) manager Noor Sidah Yahya said there was a drop by least 50% in terms of financial contributions from the public.
“Yes, it has reduced; we now receive only food items and kitchen supplies but financial aid has reduced.
“We don’t have regular contributors. This is a trend across most homes, and people usually give food aid.
“We have 40 children aged between six and 17, and we need about RM3,000 a month,” she said.
Noor Sidah said the home does not receive zakat aid or contributions from organisations, but some of the children and single mothers were aided by the Welfare Department.
Pusat Jagaan Telaga Kasih Nur Muhammad manager Ustaz Hussin Mohamed said contributions have dropped by 30%.
“This year, we feel the pinch. This is due to the rising cost of living because our regular contributors are unable to give the same amount.
“Our monthly expenses reach RM30,000, and we have 35 orphans as well as underprivileged children, aged three to eight,” he said.
When asked how the home gets funds, Hussin said they broadcast via social media and write to companies that have corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes.
