A kitchen worth a thousand meals

Generous serving: (Front row, from fourth left) Mohd Kamaruddin, Chong and Ramaesvaran with other chefs preparing packed meals for groups in need during the event. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star

Chefs across races feed groups in need

KUALA LUMPUR: Food brought Malay­sians together as 64 chefs from different communities worked shoulder to shoulder to prepare meals for vulnerable groups.

The “Cooking With Heart, Sharing With Love” initiative, organised by the Malaysia Selangor and Federal Territory Ku Su Shin Choong Hung Restaurant Association (KuSu), Professional Culinaire Association (PCA) and Malaysian Indian Chef Asso­ciation (Mica), saw 1,000 packed meals distributed to four welfare homes and care centres: Tong Sim Senior Citizen Care Centre, Canaan Home, Bodhi Homecare and Wen Hua Welfare Association.

Held in conjunction with the eighth Malaysia China Trade Expo (MCTE 2026), the initiative took place from Sept 17 to 19 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

KuSu president Chong Kam Fai said the initiative brought chefs from different backgrounds together through food while giving back to the community in need.

“We use our love to cook for people who need help, and we hope others will pass on the spirit,” Chong said at the event yesterday, while encouraging more people and organisations to follow suit.

The menu featured fried chicken, ­pakora, boiled eggs, sweet potato fritters, potatoes and carrots, combining Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours.

“This is what Malaysia is about – bringing together (our) cultures,” he said.

Chong said the meals prepared were insufficient to meet demand, with many people expressing interest in recei­ving them.

“This is our first time doing this together. It has been very successful, and we hope to make it bigger and prepare more meals next time.”

He thanked the organisers and sponsors for covering the cost.

KuSu legal adviser Tan Gim Tuan said the event demonstrated how Malaysians could join hands to strengthen national unity.

“Regardless of who you are, your religion, race or background, you can do something good for the country, especially in conjunction with Malaysia Day.

“This is a good step forward to make the nation better and stronger for everyone.”

Also present were MCTE 2026 executive president Daisy Li, PCA president Mohd Kamaruddin Adnin, Mica president P. Ramaesvaran and Malaysia Chinese Chamber of Commerce chairman Datuk Tony Looi Chee Hong.