KUCHING: The Community Pantry Project 1.0 and 2.0 initiated by Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS), which took place from July 4 to 22, benefitted some 30,480 people in Samarahan.
MPKS council member and the project’s organising chairman Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok said this was equivalent to 15 percent of the population in Samarahan, with 7,620 food packs distributed.
He also pointed out the collaboration and unity shown among the supermarkets involved.
“The call for help was answered by 14 supermarkets and a food court, assisting residents in the Samarahan area for over 18 days.
“The federal and state governments have helped in food aid during the lockdown in June and July, but there were some who still required assistance.
“Many daily paid workers were out of work because many businesses and factories could not operate,” he said on Monday (July 26).
Sim said Sarawak was fortunate that the infection rate had dropped and the state had entered Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
He also said that with most businesses allowed to operate, this had brought much relief as most residents in Samarahan could resume work and start earning again, particularly for daily paid workers.
“However, there are still some sectors that cannot operate such as school bus drivers, some construction workers as well as certain retail shops and small micro businesses which are still affecting the people’s livelihood.”
On the success of the project, Sim expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all who were involved.
“MPKS chairman Datuk Peter Minos and I would like to express our most sincere and heartfelt thank you to all supermarkets involved.
“We would also like to thank our guests, namely Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian; Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah and Samarahan MP Rubiah Wang.
“Their visit and encouragement have lifted the spirits of the partners and residents.”
Sim also thanked the project partners, namely Sen Sen Departmental Store, Farley Supermarket, LePapa Hypermarket, H&L Supermarket, Emart, CS Supermarket, Unaco Supermarket, Choice Supermarket, BB Supermarket, Elli Supermarket, Everwin, Teck Kong, Aiman Mall, Everrise Supermarket and MakanSari food court.
The distribution of food packs with Rubiah. 
Dr Sim (left) distributing food packs during the Community Pantry project. 
Fatimah hands over food aid to a recipient while Minos(second left), and Sim (right) look on.
