Crowding at meal giveaways at Rifle Range under control, says rep

People lining up for food at Rifle Range Flats in Penang.

GEORGE TOWN: A Penang assemblyman today said the crowding issue at the Rifle Range Flats caused by free food giveaways was under control, with strict supervision by the police and local village committee members.

Kebun Bunga assemblyman Jason Ong said the free meals given at the flats were of utmost importance as most of the 15,000 dwellers there were very poor. He said he and three other charitable organisations were giving out free food there daily.

Speaking to FMT, he said while the idea of delivering door-to-door, mooted by a resident, might be a good idea in theory, in reality, it would be problematic to do so.

“Imagine going through 3,600 units spread out over nine blocks, with each having 16 to 17 floors. We need a lot of people if we are to bring food to their doorstep,” he said.

Kebun Bunga assemblyman Jason Ong.

Hence, Ong said there was no choice but to give out the meals in the open.

“We are giving out healthy, nutritious meals daily to boost the residents’ immune system in these trying times. We must make sure that no one is left hungry,” he said.

Ong said he has a volunteer team of 20 people who prepare more than 400 hot meals for lunch and dinner daily, with a few in charge of taking temperatures and making sure all stood apart.

“We also give out face masks. But getting all to adhere to social distancing is a laborious process. We are talking about the most densely populated area in town.”

Penang police chief Sahabudin Abd Manan.

Meanwhile, Penang police chief Sahabudin Abd Manan said he has taken note of the crowding issue at Rifle Range and would discuss the matter at the state security meeting soon.

He said, ideally, all food donations should be channelled to the Welfare Department, which in turn would get Rela and Civil Defence Corps members to hand out the aid to those affected.

“We are monitoring the situation there and will ensure people adhere to social distancing,” he said when contacted.

Checks by FMT yesterday found long queues for the hot meals, with most lining up for them standing very close to each other.

A former village committee chief said it was as if the movement control order was never in effect in the area. - FMT