NGOs raise over RM300k to feed those impacted by MCO

CORONAVIRUS | Pro-democracy groups Bersih and Engage have collected over RM300,000 in donation within 20 days under its #MakanKongsi fundraising initiative.

In a statement released today, the NGOs said the initiative reached a total of RM313,613 contributed by 1,091 donors since it was first launched on March 20, aimed at providing food for communities that are financially affected by the movement control order (MCO).

"We are extremely grateful to the 1,091 donors who gave so generously despite their own concerns and challenges during this MCO to lend a helping hand to others who are at risk of starvation.

"#MakanKongsi began with a very clear focus to ensure that the most vulnerable communities in our country are able to get two meals a day during the MCO period and the donations received have benefited over 4,256 people from these communities so far.

"Through our 22 NGO partners and individuals who work among the urban poor, Orang Asli/Asal, migrant workers, refugees, single mothers, OKUs and others, we have provided food vouchers, cash aid and essential provisions to the most at-risk individuals, families and villages," they said.

Since March 18, the government has enforced the MCO with the main objective of breaking the chain of Covid-19 infection in the country.

The partial lockdown order, however, has a negative impact financially, including the low-income group and those who depend on daily wages.

Bersih and Engage said while they have reached such a huge amount, the initiative still needs continuous contribution to reach more targets who are struggling to put food on their plates.

"It is also clear to us that their problem won't end with the end of the MCO on April 14. Many of these same communities would still be at risk as many of them are daily wage earners who depend on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for work.

"Many SMEs themselves are at risk of closure from the one-month lockdown of their businesses. Should the MCO be further extended, then we are facing a massive humanitarian crisis that this country has never faced since its formation."

Those who are interested to donate to the cause can contact the respective NGOs through their websites. - Mkini