Don’t make life hard for NGOs who are feeding the poor, says Yeoh
PETALING JAYA: The women, family and community development ministry must immediately issue clear directions for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to distribute aid for the needy, says former deputy minister Hannah Yeoh.
The Segambut MP said this was because vulnerable groups depended a lot on NGOs to provide their basic daily needs during the lockdown.
“NGOs shouldn’t be made to pay the price when they are already struggling on their own to sustain their operations during the pandemic,” she told FMT.
“Don’t make it harder for them than it already is.”
Last week, FMT reported that volunteer groups faced difficulties in carrying out their aid and care work due to inconsistent government procedures.
Suriana Welfare Society chairman James Nayagam said the NGO was told to apply for a permit through the international trade and industry ministry (Miti). Their application was rejected because they were listed as a non-essential service.
He said Suriana had also appealed to the Registrar of Societies, Social Welfare Department (JKM) and police, but they were referred back to Miti each time.
“It’s been nearly two weeks and we can’t travel (beyond 10km). We helped over 15,000 families last year. This year, they’re calling us again,” said Nayagam.
He told FMT that many bottom 40 (B40) families had reached out to Suriana for help, adding that there were even households where everyone had tested positive and were isolating at home.
He said Suriana was currently working through community leaders in low-cost housing areas by sending them money and getting them to deliver food.
Nayagam said it was “frustrating” to deal with a system that allowed the sale of cigarettes, but not distribution of food aid or medical equipment.
“Why are we not recognised as an essential service?” he asked. “We’re not asking for any money, we’re just asking for the letter and permission to move around so families can be fed.”
Ananti Rajasingam of Yayasan Chow Kit, who previously voiced concerns over the lack of coordination between government agencies, said they had yet to receive any updates on their operations in the past week.
While her team had obtained a letter from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), they were told by the police that a letter from JKM was needed.
“We tried contacting the Federal Territories’ Welfare Department again, but we got nothing. It feels like no one knows what is going on,” she said.
Ananti said her team had gone ahead and distributed aid in smaller groups the last few days, using their letter from DBKL.
“If the police stop us at a roadblock and issue a fine, we will just take it. People are hungry and they need food.”
The nationwide movement control order has been extended for another two weeks, from June 15 until June 28.
Senior minister for security Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this was decided due to the high daily Covid-19 case numbers, which is still exceeding the 5,000 mark. - FMT
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