Food aid shortage - FT minister apologises to Malaysians in Selayang

CORONAVIRUS | Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa apologised to Malaysians under lockdown in Selayang for the initial shortage in food aid distribution in the first two days of the enhanced movement control order (Emco) there.

He assured that all citizens residing there will be provided with adequate food supply to last the remainder of the two-week Emco period and especially in light of the fasting month for Muslims beginning tomorrow.

Speaking at a press conference, Annuar (above) said the initial shortage was due to various factors including all food items not arriving at the same time.

He added that a detailed census of the six blocks under lockdown since Monday has since established and there are 3,200 units affected comprising over 17,000 residents. Of these, 1,500 units comprise of Malaysian citizens.

“I apologise to residents here as in the first two days, (food) distribution was made but there were some shortages in terms of the kind of items (distributed), due to the arrival of certain food items in stages and we just obtained the data on the number of units.

“Rice, oil, wheat, arrived first. What to eat with just rice, or wheat or oil? We assumed many (households) already has existing food supplies,” he said at the command centre set up near the Selayang wholesale market.

Residential areas in the vicinity of the Kuala Lumpur wholesale market have been placed under the lockdown - from the Batu Caves temple roundabout up to the Sri Murni apartments - since Monday due to the number of Covid-19 cases detected there.

Since then, there have been reports that those living there have yet to receive food aid as promised by the authorities.

Annuar today said the government has since decided that food supplies would be provided in two deliveries, each one to last seven to 10 days, with a focus on dry rations such as rice as well as items such as canned items which could be cooked into dishes.

Frozen food which can be stored in the refrigerator for seven days will be used to replace canned food if supplies are inadequate.

The minister added that steps are being implemented from today to improve food distribution. Among the steps are: 

• Ensuring all food distribution is handled by the Social Welfare Department and aided by related agencies;
  
• all food distributors entering the lockdown area to be garbed in proper personal protective equipment (PPE); and
  
• food distribution to involve registered units only to ensure fair distribution.

As an added measure, he added all the sundry stores at each block under lockdown in Selayang will be allowed to operate during the Emco period as long as they adhere to the set standard operating procedures (SOP).

“All sundry stores have been given permission to operate. So residents under lockdown can buy food as long as they all follow the SOP.

“[...] officers will be around to ensure compliance (with the SOP). If not, it (the store) will be asked to close,” he said.

Meanwhile, he assured that non-citizens there, too, would also be provided with food aid. However, this would be purchased using funds donated and not taxpayers’ monies.

NGOs who wished to help with food distribution are required to register with the Welfare Department, which will then assess the requirement for help. - Mkini