THE Food Bank Malaysia (FBM) programme will be launched nationwide through smaller distribution centres in the country’s main regions, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.

The largest distribution centre is 1,200sq m in Kajang, Selangor, which held a soft launch by the minister today.

The centre at the Bukit Angkat Industrial Area is a one-stop collection and distribution point.

By having distribution centres in each region, food could be distributed more efficiently, Saifuddin said.

“It is our hope to have a food bank distribution centre in the east, south, central and north.

“If we can have a distribution centre in every region, things will move faster,” he said at the launch today.

A site for a distribution point in the northern region has been identified in Bandar Baharu Kulim and it is currently undergoing renovation works.

“Some of the food collected here (in Kajang) will be brought to Kulim and food collection from the north also will be placed there. 

“It is in an interior location but it is a strategic location, bordering the three states of Penang, Perak and Kedah.”

The FBM programme, which began in August 2018, collects and channels food to needy groups and also aims to reduce food wastage.

The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry connects with players in the food industry like hypermarkets, supermarkets, manufacturers, restaurants and hotels.

The ministry also works with the Mutiara Food Bank, Food Aid Foundation and Kechara Soup Kitchen to assist in distributing food aid to the target groups. 

Saifuddin said since the Food Donors Protection Bill 2019 was passed in Parliament, FBM has been receiving more donations. It is also one of the few government-led projects that have required very little funding because of the huge support from the private sector.

There are now some 430 supermarket branches contributing to the programme. 

“Almost all the leading supermarkets in the country and hotels are joining the programme.”

Since its inception in August 2018, the programme has benefited almost 480,000 households living below the poverty line as well as 12,000 students. It has also saved 1,984 metric tonnes of food from going to waste. – January 21, 2020.