KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Sin Chew Daily) — Chinese nationals residing in Malaysia are joining forces to contribute to a local food bank to help the needy.

As of August 20, they have contributed 371 bags of rice, 32 boxes of instant noodles, three bags of instant noodles, 15 boxes of biscuits, four boxes of cooking oil, 12 barrels of cooking oil, nine bags of sugar, 19 cartons of eggs, canned food, five boxes of detergents and 45 bags of vermicelli through the Malaysia-China Welfare Advisory Society and Min-An Overseas Supporting Service since July 15.

Teng Hui, from northeast of China, who runs Restoran Kar Long Sdn Bhd in Malaysia for more than 20 years, said many were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic suddenly.

He contributed to help Malaysians during this difficult time as a way to fulfill his social responsibility.

Luo Yan, a Chinese merchant based at GM Klang Wholesale City, said despite the fact her business was adversely affected by the pandemic, she was still helping the needy.

Another Chinese national who is working for the China Communications Construction Group (Ltd.) in Pahang to build the East Coast Rail Link also chipped in for the food bank.

Yu Ji Ji, who has spent six years in the Kuala Lumpur branch of Xiamen Airlines, said he was saddened seeing many Malaysians affected by the pandemic.

Huang Hai, chief coordinator of the donation drive, said the group delivered food to nine Malay families in Bukit Jalil after knowing that they had lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“One of the recipients told us she lost her job and was fortunate to have received donations of goods from us,” said Huang Hai.

Chinese students studying in Malaysia have also participated in the donation drive by contributing part of their living expenses to help the locals.

The initiative to help local food bank would end on August 31.

The donation drive was launched by Chinese nationals in Malaysia to assist locals who are facing financial difficulties.

Those who have participated in the drive would challenge another Chinese national to contribute in a relay effort to get more people to help the needy.