By ASILA JALIL / Pic by TMR FILE PIX

The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry had helped more than 600,000 individuals severely affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic under the Food Bank Malaysia programme as of April.

Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the ministry had assisted 624,954 individuals and 17,954 students under the programme, which aims to alleviate the burden of those less fortunate.

“The ministry will also provide food assistance that was contributed by 99 Speedmart Sdn Bhd to 46 of the ministry staff. Hopefully, this will reduce the burden for them ahead of the Hari Raya celebration,” he said in his speech today during the launch of the Jualan Prihatin Raya (JPR) programme in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2021.

The JPR programme, which is the first of its kind under the ministry, enables consumers to purchase basic needs to prepare for the Hari Raya celebration, which falls on Thursday.

He said the ministry has collaborated with major supply companies to provide necessities for the consumers at a lower price than on the market.

Among the items available at the programme include chicken, eggs, sugar, cooking oil and vegetables.