by HARIZAH KAMEL / pic credit: Bernas

PADIBERAS Nasional Bhd (Bernas) has provided aid to several bottom 40% (B40) households to withstand the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic which is hitting the country.

Done in the spirit of the National Month, more than 50 families of all races in the Taman Cendana Flat in Pasir Gudang, Johor Baru, received assistance from Bernas through its corporate social responsibility programme.

Its southern region operations manager Noor Khaliq Abdul Rahman said the initiative was done to help the local community affected by the virus outbreak.

“The Covid-19 pandemic not only affects health, but it also affects the income of individuals and households. Therefore, Bernas has taken the initiative to cheer them up with donations in the form of money and daily necessities.

“Apart from being close to our warehouse operations, this residential area houses various races and at the same time it is in line with the concept of the National Month,” he said in a recent statement.

Bernas corporate communications department head Rosniza Baharum said the firm together with the Taman Cendana Residents Welfare Body had identified more than 50 families in dire need, of which six of them are disabled (OKU).

“This time we went to Pasir Gudang to assist those in need, especially during the recovery phase which we are now going through.

“Many have also lost their source of income during the Movement Control Order which was carried out beginning last March,” she said.

Commenting further, Rosniza said such an initiative will be continued in the future.

“In addition to helping those in need, this programme is a medium to strengthen the relationship between Bernas and the local community,” she added.

One of the OKU recipients, Bunga Osman, expressed gratitude for the donations.

“Alhamdulillah, thank you for this contribution. It is very helpful especially since I have no source of income and only hope for the assistance provided by the government to continue my daily life,” said Bunga.

Meanwhile, another recipient Krisnaama Perumal, thanked Bernas for the money and daily items received.

“After losing my husband two years ago, my source of income is quite limited and I am raising my children by myself. The contribution from Bernas will help me and my family,” she said.

Previously, Bernas had given assistance to farmers in Sekinchan, Selangor, and Pasir Puteh, Kelantan.

Apart from the role of buying paddy from farmers at a guaranteed minimum price and acting as the last buyer of paddy from farmers, Bernas will continue to maintain its social obligations such as stockpile management, managing the Bumiputera Manufacturers and Wholesalers Scheme and Subsidy Scheme Management for Farmers.