KUCHING: Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak (TBS) continues to move forward in providing assistance by introducing an innovative ready-to-eat food package to alleviate the burdens of the less fortunate.
It serves as an alternative food source that is easy to prepare, allowing users to enjoy hot and delicious meals that can also be stored for an extended period.
Packages like these are also suitable for aiding disaster victims, such as those affected by floods and fires, who may not have cooking facilities since they only need to be soaked in hot water for five minutes.
According to the chief manager of TBS, Datuk Abang Mohd Shibli Abang Mohd Nailie, one of the goals of introducing this is to help people who are suffering from basic food needs due to loss of income sources.
“This is a historic moment for us as we introduce a new method of distributing aid, which is ready-to-eat food that can be consumed directly in various ways. We introduce this method because it is quicker and easier than sending rice, noodles, and the like that still need to be cooked.”
He made these remarks when interviewed by the media after completing the Food Aid Presentation Ceremony by TBS to four Higher Education Institutions (IPT) here on Tuesday (Oct 31).
“As a starting point and initial stage, we begIn with IPTs by distributing a total of 2,500 packages to those identified, including Unimas, UITM, Politeknik Kuching, and Kolej Universiti i-CATS.
“This assistance is provided to Muslim students from less privileged families to help cover their expenses, especially given the rising cost of living and food prices.
“In the meantime, this distribution is our pilot project. After this, we will receive feedback from them for the purpose of improvement and rectifying any shortcomings.”
He further stated that after this, the programme will be expanded to disaster victims, such as those affected by floods and fires who have lost their homes.
“For us, this is the most effective and practical way. The next phase will be distributed to the asnaf and the impoverished who have been identified so that they can also have the opportunity to enjoy better-tasting food than their usual routine.”
For the record, as of last September, TBS had distributed a total of RM74.88mil to eligible asnaf individuals through its four main programmes: Strengthening Knowledge Tradition Programme, Developing Islamic Institutions Programme, Enhancing the Welfare of the Ummah Programme, and Ummah Skills Enhancement Programme.
