CALLS to rename the food bank programme to Tabung Makanan can wait as the aim now is to feed the people, especially the poor, said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail today.

He said the programme is one of his greatest achievements in the one year since Pakatan Harapan took over, as it not only helps underprivileged families but creates volunteer opportunities.

He added there have been calls to rename the programme Tabung Makanan to reflect the national language. 

“I receive advice from Malay language advocates to change the name of the programme. However, this process may take some time as the Food Bank Foundation has been registered with the Prime Minister’s Department. 

“For now, we will stick with the Food Bank brand, what is important is we are feeding people,” he said in a recent interview on Pakatan Harapan’s one year in power.

Saifuddin also spoke about his passion for the programme.

“I feel very close to this programme. We wanted to create a zero waste policy and we came up with the food bank. We have created many opportunities for people to volunteer.

“Secondly, we help underprivileged people who are struggling to put food on the table. We must not neglect them. This Food Bank programme are being run without any bureaucracy issues.”

He added the programme helps to educate food operators to not waste.

“It is best for them to give us the food they don’t want so we can distribute it the needy.

“Having this programme gives me satisfaction.”

But the programme alone cannot not solve the rising cost of living, which he admitted is his “greatest concern”. 

One way to decrease the cost of living is to expand the country’s e-commerce sector so the middlemen can be removed, and by that, reduce additional costs reduced, said Saifuddin, who is also PKR secretary-general.

“I want to reduce the cost of living. It is my greatest concern. One way is by expanding the e-commerce. 

“This sector can reduce the numbers of layers in businesses. There are only producers and consumers so the final price will not be high.

 “I also want this country to have informed consumers. I am a bit disappointed that after 10 months, I am not able to reach out to the people to highlight this important issue.

“I am still learning from experts on how to reach consumers,” said Saifuddin who is also the MP for Kulim Bandar Baharu. – April 26, 2019