KOTA SAMARAHAN: A total of 200 food packs have been handed out to the needy through the Community Pantry at LePaPa Hypermarket, yesterday (July 11).
The programme is Kota Samarahan Municipal Council’s (MPKS) social development programme to assist those badly affected by the movement control order (MCO).
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Hui Kian officiated at the programme and helped distribute the food packs.
The programme’s organising chairman Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok was also present to help distribute the food packs to the recipients.
“I really appreciate the MPKS for asking all the hypermarkets within its area of administration to get involved in this programme in times of need. I was told that this programme for the period from July 4 until July 12.
“We know that Covid-19 has caused a lot of hardship. This programme shows the spirit of solidarity of people coming together to help each other,” said Dr Sim during a press conference at LePaPa Hypermarket.
He added that the pantry will help whoever in Kota Samarahan needs food and other essentials.
Dr Sim (centre) with from left Yong Yu Resources Sdn Bhd Alex Phang, Minos, organising chairman of Community Pantry programme Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok and LePaPa and Tecktonic and Sons managing director Lee Chin Teck distributing the food baskets at the LePaPa Aiman Mall Kota Samarahan Community Pantry. Photo: Ramidi Subari 
Dr Sim (centre) with from left Yong Yu Resources Sdn Bhd Alex Phang, Minos, organising chairman of Community Pantry programme Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok and LePaPa and Tecktonic and Sons managing director Lee Chin Teck distributing the food baskets at the LePaPa Aiman Mall Kota Samarahan Community Pantry. Photo: Ramidi Subari
Besides that, he hoped that once the economic activities have opened up, there will be fewer needy people, and hopefully there will be jobs for them.
MPKS chairman, Datuk Peter Minos, expressed his gratitude to Dr Sim for coming to help hand out the food packs.
“On behalf of MPKS, I thanked Dr Sim for coming to help. We are really thankful.
“Also, thanks to LePaPa Hypermarket owner, Lee Chin Teck, for giving 100 food packs, and to Alex Phang of Yong Yu Resources Sdn Bhd for giving another 100 food packs for a total of 200, which is the most number of food packs so far,” said Minos.
Dr Sim congratulated LePaPa Hypermarket and Yong Yu for joining the pantry programme.
“This is a really positive response. They are willing to help people during this tough time.
“I’m sure if everyone works together, we can be stronger together. We must be positive to move forward together,” he said.
Dr Sim (centre) with from left Yong Yu Resources Sdn Bhd Alex Phang, Minos, organising chairman of Community Pantry programme Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok and LePaPa and Tecktonic and Sons managing director Lee Chin Teck distributing the food baskets at the LePaPa Aiman Mall Kota Samarahan Community Pantry. Photo: Ramidi Subari 
Dr Sim (centre) with from left Yong Yu Resources Sdn Bhd Alex Phang, Minos, and organising chairman of Community Pantry programme Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok distributing food baskets at the LePaPa Aiman Mall Kota Samarahan Community Pantry. Photo: Ramidi Subari
