Abide By Food Distribution Rules For The Homeless To Avoid Wastage - Dr Zaliha

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa has advised all non-governmental organisations (NGOs), non-governmental Islamic organisations (NGIs), individuals and influencers to abide by the stipulated regulations before distributing food to the homeless in the federal capital.

She stressed that the parties involved need to register with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to ensure all aid activities are carried out systematically, safely and avoid littering in the city area.

"The cleanliness issue crops up when there is excess food after distribution to the homeless by NGOs, individuals or private contributors, which are carried out around Kuala Lumpur outside stipulated areas or not according to the schedule set by DBKL.

"So, this excess food is discarded arbitrarily, and many of the homeless people we meet these days are picky about food because there are too many people giving,” she said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. 

She was replying to a supplementary question from Roslan Hashim (PN-Kulim Bandar Baharu), who asked about streamlining measures between local authorities, NGOs and welfare agencies to ensure the distribution of food to the homeless is implemented in an orderly manner, without causing any problems of littering or pollution in the federal capital.

Roslan also asked for an explanation regarding measures by the government to maintain a balance between social kindness and the cleanliness of the city, and also whether anyone is allowed to help the homeless or if there is a need to register with DBKL first.

Dr Zaliha said some influencers carried out food distribution activities simply to create content on social media and did not follow the stipulated rules, thus causing problems for the authorities, especially DBKL.

To maintain the balance between the values of social kindness and the cleanliness of the city, she said the DBKL has stipulated three main distribution sites - the Chow Kit Community Learning Centre, Medan Tuanku Homeless Service Centre (as the daily food distribution centre) and the Kuala Lumpur Transit Centre for the Homeless or Anjung Kembar.

"Food distribution activities at these three locations are implemented in collaboration with NGOs that are registered with the DBKL and YKN (National Welfare Foundation). So far, we have eight NOGs collaborating with the DBK, and 14 NGOs with YKN,” she said.

She stressed that the selection of distribution sites also needed to be made properly so that they are not carried out at tourist spots, like the Kuala Lumpur Golden Triangle area, to safeguard the city's image.

"If any party refuses to comply with the recommendation and advice given, and their actions tarnish the image of Kuala Lumpur, then DBKL will not hesitate to take stern and appropriate actions against them,” she said.

At the same time, Dr Zaliha also suggested that DBKL refine the implementation of the policy that only allows food to be distributed to the homeless in retort packs to ensure that aspects of hygiene and food safety are guaranteed.

She is confident that this will reduce the food wastage and ensure the contributions are channelled in a more orderly and effective manner.

"At the same time, the Outreach Mobile Centre initiative will be introduced as a food collection and distribution centre during festive seasons.

"We have a problem now. For example, we have already determined the distribution sites, but they (the contributors) do not send their food to these places. As such, we will introduce the Outreach Centre or Mobile Centre at the hotspots where those who are kind can give or send their contributions there,” she said.

She hopes that these measures will encourage a wider participation from hotels, corporate firms and NGOs to ensure excess food can be better managed to benefit those in need.

-- BERNAMA