By Aida Aziz
IPOH: Anjung Singgah Perak has been designated as a one-stop centre for the coordinated distribution of food aid to the homeless, particularly in Ipoh.
National Welfare Foundation (YKN) chief executive officer Nordina Haron said non-governmental organisations (NGOs), corporate companies, institutions, welfare bodies, volunteer groups, and members of the public who wish to contribute food aid are encouraged to channel their donations through the centre.
She said the initiative, implemented with the support of the Perak state government and in collaboration with various government agencies, NGOs, and strategic partners, aims to ensure that food assistance reaches the homeless community in a more organised, systematic, and effective manner.
“As the coordinating agency, YKN is committed to ensuring that all contributions for the homeless are managed in a more structured and impactful way.
“We would also like to thank Perak Women, Family, Social Welfare and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman Datuk Salbiah Mohamed for her support and initiative in making this possible,” she said.
The initiative was earlier agreed upon during the Coordination Meeting on the Implementation of the Homeless Transit Centre in Ipoh, which was also attended by Ipoh Mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah.
Nordina said the role of Anjung Singgah Perak as a centralised food distribution hub would not only improve coordination efforts but also enable authorities to better understand the actual needs of the target group.
Previously, food aid distribution to the homeless was carried out by various organisations at different locations across the city.
“While these efforts were driven by volunteerism and community concern, a lack of coordination could lead to overlapping assistance, food wastage, as well as challenges related to cleanliness and the management of public spaces,” she added.
She was speaking after presenting food aid to homeless individuals during the Anjung Singgah Perak Open Day and the official launch of the Centralised Food Distribution Centre here last night.
YKN welcomed greater participation from NGOs, corporate entities, educational institutions, community organisations and individuals to support the initiative through food sponsorships, basic necessities, volunteer services or other suitable forms of assistance.
The food distribution programme is held daily from 8 pm to 11 pm in front of the Anjung Singgah Perak premises.
