Kuala Lumpur, Apr 23 (Sin Chew Daily) — Many foreign workers on daily wages have lost their jobs since the government imposed the movement control order (MCO) on March 18.

As non-citizens of this country, they do not receive any aid from the government.

Selangor state executive councilor Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud tipped off Buddhist group Tzu Chi that foreign workers in the state needed help.

Working with residential associations, Tzu Chi volunteers distributed shopping vouchers and protective supplies to the 112 foreign workers in Kampung Kenangan and Bukit Bandar Puchong flats.

Siti Mariah expressed her concern over the plight of these migrant workers. 

"Even if they are not citizens of Malaysia, their lives may be threatened due to hunger. We should help them," she said. 

Siti Mariah also complimented Tzu Chi for distributing vouchers and protective equipment to these workers. She said Tzu Chi should become a role model for others to emulate.

With coordination from Tzu Chi volunteers, those present at the presentation ceremony were required to adhere to social distancing rules. Beneficiaries received the items in an orderly manner as instructed.

Chen Shun Fu, a Tzu Chi volunteer, said a challenge they encountered in distributing the aid items was to conduct phone surveys to verify the status of the beneficiaries within a very short time. The resident associations helped make arrangements for the recipients to be present to receive the items distributed in batches to minimize infection risks.

In addition to Tzu Chi volunteers, Kamarudin Wok, chairman of Kampung Kenan Residents Association and the other committee members of the association also offered their help in setting up tents, distributing face masks and verifying the identity of foreign workers.

Pasli Alwi was unable to work after a car accident and could only rely on his wife who works as a cleaner and daughter, a factory operator.

Pasli has to borrow from friends and relatives for a living during MCO, but many of them are unable to help too.

He was overjoyed when receiving the aid.

"If no one helps me, I really don't know what to do. Thank you very much. I can buy rice now, at least I don't have to go hungry," he said.

Nurhayati Mayur, who used to collect recycled items for sale, earned a meager income. During MCO, she could not go out for fear she would be arrested by enforcement officers.

She ended up begging in the market.

Nurhayati thanked Tzu Chi as she could buy some food now after not having any food for days.

Tzu Chi has also distributed aid items to 21 foreign worker families at Taman Puchong Permai.

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Tzu Chi Organization can be contacted at 03-6256-3800. Online donation is welcome.

For details please visit their website.