KUCHING: While Hari Raya celebrations have been muted this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the movement control order (MCO), Malaysian kindness has made a difference to those struggling with basic necessities through the #AyamBersamaMu community pantry initiative in 13 communities.
In Kuching, Pusat Jagaan Nur Murni has partnered with Ayam Brand to manage the community pantry that operates on a “take what you need, leave what you can concept”.
The weatherproof pantry is stocked with daily necessities such as Ayam Brand products. It is set up outside the compound so that social distancing is observed, and it is open to the public round-the-clock.
Staff and residents update community groups on social media and messaging apps with regard to what is available and what is needed. Their efforts have made the initiative viral.
Volunteers are returning this kindness by preparing home-cooked open house meals using Ayam Brand products. The meals span traditional favourites such as roti jala with sardine curry to macaroni fruit salad.
Ain Suhada Ahmad and husband Iqbal Harun were quick to volunteer to cook for the children as her way of contributing to the community pantry.
“There have been lots of messages on local WhatsApp groups about the pantry and the items needed. Pusat Jagaan Nur Murni has done so much to help the people here. Preparing them an open house meal was our sincere contribution and we wanted to give them the best that we could,” said Ain.
“We are proud to have contributed to this initiative because it embodies the #KitaJagaKita spirit that has helped Malaysia through the Covid-19 pandemic,” she added.
The buzz around the AyamBersamaMu community pantry has introduced Pusat Jagaan Nur Murni to more people in the district, resulting in a steady flow of contributions to the pantry and to the children in the home.
“Our community has rallied round to make this a #KitaJagaKita Raya to remember for all the right reasons. The #AyamBersamaMu community pantry has brought our community together and created bonds that will sustain us for many years to come. We are happy to share with other organisations how to set up and run a community pantry,” said Pusat Jagaan Nur Murni administrator Norni.
The AyamBersamaMu community pantry is becoming self-sustaining with many requests to start similar programmes in other locations, according to Ayam Brand Malaysia’s Marketing manager Nathan Deverre.
The Ayam Brand community pantries are located state-wide. In Sarawak, it is located at Pertubuhan Kebajikan dan Pendidikan Nur Murni, No 22, Lot 1365, Lorong Field Force 8e, Taman Green Field, 93250 Kuching.
To find out more about the #AyamWithYou community pantry initiative, visit https://www.ayambrand.com.my
