#BenderaPutih: Where to get help

Launched several days ago, the “#BenderaPutih” (white flag) campaign encourages those who are struggling financially to display a white flag in front of their homes as a sign that they need immediate assistance.

Similar to last year’s “Kita Jaga Kita” initiative, this latest social media campaign comes as many strive to endure the Covid-19 lockdown, now in its fourth week and with no end in sight.

Several businesses and NGOs have since stepped forward to help feed those in need.

Below, Malaysiakini compiles a list of avenues where the needy can get aid. This is not an exhaustive list.

99 Speedmart

Between July 1 to 14, the supermarket chain is preparing 1,000 aid packages per day for delivery to areas near its outlets.

Those who know of someone who has raised a white flag as a sign for help can inform the supermarket of the person’s house address and send a photo of the white flag at the home.

Messages can either be directed to the supermarket’s Facebook page (private message) or WhatsApp (010-500 0099).

It aims to deliver the goods within 24 hours.

Vit's

On Friday and Saturday (July 2 and 3), the instant noodle manufacturer is dispatching rangers across 16 housing areas in Rawang, Selangor to deliver food to homes that display white flags.

These Vit’s Rangers will operate between 10am to 4pm on both days.

Mamavege Restaurant

This vegetarian restaurant in Bukit Mertajam, Penang is offering meals to those in need.

Those with friends or relatives who are facing financial hardship or food shortage can fill up this Google form to have food delivered to them.

Members of the public can also sponsor the meals at RM5 per box.

SP Advisory

This financial services firm from Skudai, Johor is offering to help those living in Johor Bahru, Masai, Kota Tinggi, Kulai, Skudai, Pontian, and Batu Pahat.

It did not specify what type of assistance it was offering.

Those with information about homes in these areas that have white flags can contact them via phone at 07-554 8666 or 016-725 8666.

Tanah Aina Cafe

This cafe in Shah Alam, Selangor is offering free food every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 11am to 1pm and between 6pm to 8pm

They can be contacted at 03-5524 3258.

BMS Organics

This restaurant chain is offering free vegetarian bento boxes at its Puchong Utama, Selangor branch every Tuesday and Saturday from 12noon onwards.

Portions are limited to one meal per person.

Bao Malaysia

Based in Kuala Lumpur, this food business is offering to deliver food and necessities to those in need.

Requests can be made through their Instagram account or WhatsApp (013-801 3490).

Dapur Chemek

This restaurant in Petaling Jaya, Selangor is offering free food every Tuesday and Friday between 11am to 1pm and between 5pm to 7pm.

Requests can be made via WhatsApp (019-409 5040 or 012-202 0012) or through their Instagram account (direct message).

Baan Thai Restaurant

This restaurant has started a food bank at its Cheras, Kuala Lumpur outlet. Those in need can drop by for essentials.

They are also offering to deliver essentials to those within 10km of their outlet.

Members of the public can inform them of anyone who has raised white flags via their Facebook page (direct message) or WeChat. Include the person’s address and a photograph of the white flag in question.

Persatuan Kebajikan Prihatin Penyayang Pulau Pinang

This NGO is offering help to the needy in Penang.

It did not specify what type of assistance it is offering.

It encouraged the public to contact them via phone at 011-629 8108 if they know of those with white flags outside their homes.

- Mkini