KUCHING: A group of volunteers initiated by Datuk Lily Yong is aiming to help food outlets in the Kuching area to promote their food to local customers, and food operators who are interested in participating in this programme are encouraged to call 016-2494633 between 9 am and 3 pm.
The objective of setting up the volunteer team is to assist food stall operators in getting through this difficult time brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jong Yean Pin, one of the members of the volunteer team, explained that they will print flyers or pamphlets containing information on the types of food or beverage the food stall operators offer, as well as their location, method of food pick-up, and contact numbers.
“The customers can call the operators whose numbers are found in the leaflets, and make hassle-free take-away orders with their preferred food stalls or restaurants.
“The food can be sent over to the customer’s vehicle directly by food stall operators once it has been prepared,” he said in a statement today (June 2).
He said he along with the other team members were in the midst of collecting details from operators of coffee shops, restaurants, and hawker centres who had shown interest in the programme, adding that this service was voluntary and free for all.
“Although with limited resources and manpower, the volunteer team will compile and distribute the information collected from the food stall operators to potential customers in Kuching city by way of leaflet or pamphlet distribution,” he said.
Jong said due to limited manpower, the programme could only be extended to areas outside Kuching city in the next phase.
He expressed gratitude that this voluntary programme was supported by the overwhelming response from the Kuching Coffeeshop and Restaurant Owners Association, Sarawak Restaurants Association, and Persatuan Tukang Masak How Yu Kuching.
He hoped that the public will support local food eateries that have suffered during the pandemic, especially with the standard operating procedure (SOP) of no dine-ins allowed.
Just recently, the volunteer team headed by Yong exchanged views through a Zoom session with coffeeshop owners, hawkers, and food stall operators. Urging the government to provide financial aid was among the issues discussed.
During the session, Yong, who is Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Kuching branch chairperson, clarified that she was not representing any political party in this endeavour, explaining that this was a voluntary effort to assist the struggling food stall operators.
Those seeking further information and assistance can contact Bong Lian Huan (012-8978181), Jong Yean Pin (016-8864855), or Eric Tay (019-8899186).
