TELUK Bahang residents, who came for the drive-through food distribution programme at the MBPP hall in their area today, did not have to wait in a long queue to receive the food baskets.
Some came in cars, some on motorcycles and others just walked in to the compound where volunteers were quick to tend to them.
Balik Pulau MP Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik was also seen busy loading the food baskets and other items into their vehicles or on their motorcycle baskets.
He also handed out the food baskets to those who walked in.
“This morning, we are here to distribute 400 food baskets to the residents from Teluk Bahang and Teluk Awak,” said Muhammad Bakhtiar, who is also the ‘adun angkat’ (foster assemblyman) for Teluk Bahang.
“Why we have a drive-thru programme is because we don’t want to have any large crowd. We want to minimise physical contact as much as possible and we help them load the items into their vehicles.
“The food baskets contain rice, chicken, eggs, vegetables, sausages, cooking oil and milk. Diapers were also given out to those who need them. We also give out a box of Briyani with cake and drink packages.
“We want them to taste something delicious today.”
Muhammad Bakhtiar said part of the food items were bought using the allocation given by the Federal Government while the additional items were contributed by him and some individuals and organisations.
He said the total value for each basket was worth RM150.
Muhammad Bakhtiar said volunteers from MPKK Teluk Bahang, MPKK Teluk Awak and Escape Theme Park were present to assist in the distribution of the food baskets.
For those who walked in and were unable to carry the items, there were volunteer riders to help send the food items to their houses.
“Anyone who applies for the aid through our hotline, we accept the person because we know all parties are affected at this time.
“I hope the food items can last them for a few weeks. We will try to help them from time to time,” Muhammad Bakhtiar added.
Among those present to ensure the event proceeded as smoothly as possible were MPKK Teluk Awak chairman Zul Saad and MPKK Teluk Bahang chairperson Noor Rizan Mohd Yusoff.
Also present were one of the sponsors Datuk Frank Koay and his wife Datin Karen Ng. Koay is managing director of both Jetblue Sdn Bhd and Penang Hotel Collection.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad