THE Covid-19 pandemic has upended economies, battered communities, and dramatically changed all aspects of life.
Despite that, all is not doom and gloom thanks to several state assemblymen who have constantly responded to the call for help during this challenging period.
From delivering food baskets and healthcare assistance, they have now prepared and are ready to loan medical gadgets, such as pulse oximeters, to Covid-19 patients with breathing difficulties. They are also distributing free Covid-19 self-test kits.
Participating individuals are Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim.
Ong said his service centre had prepared a 2,000 sets of Covid-19 self-test kits, which will be distributed to Covid-19 patients and those quarantined at home in the Batu Lancang area.
“Priority is also given to those with symptoms, close contacts and those under observation.
“Do contact me through WhatsApp at 010-8744308 for further details. For those interested, there is no need to come to my office as my staff would do the needful,” Ong wrote on his Facebook page recently.
He added that for individuals (without symptoms) under the B40 category who are interested to purchase the Covid-19 self-test kit can buy it at a reduced price of RM10 each.
Ong’s office is also preparing the pulse oximeters for them to be loaned to eligible recipients.
Meanwhile, Ng (Air Itam) said that pulse oximeters have become increasingly important during this period, and that was the reason why his office wanted to step forward and do their bit for the affected individuals.
“Currently, the Covid-19 situation in our country is showing no sign of slow up.
“Therefore, pulse oximeters are crucial for the people to monitor their oxygen saturation level.
“We sincerely hope that this initiative will assist those who have contracted the virus and are going through self-quarantine at home,” Ng said in a statement posted on his Facebook recently.
He said that a total of 50 pulse oximeters have been prepared by his service centre to be distributed to eligible recipients in the Air Itam area.
For further information, please contact the Air Itam service centre at 016-4219143 or 04-8299143.
As for Covid-19 self-test kits, Ng said 1,000 sets have been prepared.
Teh (Komtar) and Lim (Sungai Pinang) were also happy to take part in the initiative. Their support was made known through their Facebook postings recently.
Those staying at the Komtar area and needed assistance, call Teh’s service centre at 04-2277068 or 016-2706808.
Meanwhile, for those in Sungai Pinang, contact Lim’s office at 010-3824483.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix courtesy of state assemblymen offices