THE Penang government is mulling over the idea of introducing a ‘job bank’ – a state’s initiative to assist badly affected individuals or families from the B40 community to secure jobs.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state was considering this initiative to help the needy, as well as assisting the participating businesses which are recruiting.
“The existing food bank initiative in Penang has been successful, and the idea of introducing a ‘job bank’ is influenced by the food bank initiative.
“The non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the public and private entities, individuals and others have been helping the government by contributing food aid and other necessities for the benefit of the underprivileged community.
“It is time for us to also include the initiative that can work as an ‘engine’ to put food on the table. Interested individuals, businesses and corporations are encouraged to take part in this ‘job bank’ effort to assist the needy community,” he said after receiving 3,900 bags of food supplies from One Hope Charity and Welfare, on behalf of the state in Komtar today.
Chow said the Penang government would be announcing the new initiative soon.
It is understood that the food supplies would be distributed to the needy families in all 13 parliamentary constituencies in Penang.
Chow thanked One Hope Charity and Welfare for the contribution.
“I was told that the cost was RM780,000. The One Hope Charity and Welfare has spent RM3.44 million to help the needy from January to July this year.
“The organisation has helped in providing food aid to the B40 community, and offering immediate aid to those under special cases,” he said.
“The efforts by One Hope Charity and Welfare are timely and will always be cherished.
“We are also very thankful to others who have helped during this trying period,” Chow added.
Also present during the handover ceremony were One Hope advisor Datuk Seri R. Arunasalam and its chairman Chua Sui Hau.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar