By Aida Aziz
Photo: Balqis Jazimah Zahari
The donation of basic necessities through the Kotak Rezeki Tok Lan initiative may seem modest to some, but it carries deep significance for those who are truly in need.
Datuk Mazlan Abd Rahman, who serves as the Chief Whip of the Ipoh City Council (MBI), is deeply committed to helping the underprivileged, particularly those suffering from chronic illnesses.
Having started this aid initiative eight months ago around the Hulu Kinta area, Mazlan said the funds were sourced from MBI as well as his own pocket.
“When I receive allocations from MBI, I notice that if we organize large-scale programs, it consumes a large amount of funding.
“So, I took the initiative to help the B40 group in a more targeted way. The recipients must be genuinely in need—such as those who live alone, are without family, and earn less than RM1,000 a month.
“I personally visit their homes to assess whether they are eligible, because we want to help the truly needy, regardless of race,” said Mazlan, who is also the Deputy Chief of UMNO Tambun Division.
He added that essential items like rice, sugar, and flour worth about RM110 are provided monthly, depending on the allocation and his own means.
“In the past eight months, I’ve distributed these boxes to 120 individuals. Recipients are from Kampung Baru Malay Rizab, Gunung Genting, Batu 6, Batu 8, and Bandar Baru Putra,” he said.
He also plans to implement other programs such as Jualan Rahmah (subsidized sales) offering goods at affordable prices to targeted groups in Taman Perpaduan.
Meanwhile, 15 individuals were involved in the Ziarah Kasih Kotak Rezeki Tok Lan outreach programme in July.
Among the recipients was Ayob Khan Janali, 54, who lives with his sister and has no income after losing part of his leg to diabetes. He also suffers from hearing problems and relies solely on RM450 monthly aid from the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk).
Another recipient, M. Muniamah, 74, lives alone in a rented home and depends on the kindness of neighbours who hire her for house cleaning and odd jobs.
Ahmad Abrar Mat, 58, is bedridden, has lost his right leg due to diabetes, and also suffers from kidney disease.
