RESIDENTS of Selangor and Malayan Mansions who have been under lockdown since April 7 are getting three meals a day, thanks to companies and civil society organisations.

Previously worried that they were stuck without food, they told The Malaysian Insight that several groups and private firms have been feeding them since April 8.

The two buildings in Jalan Masjid India were placed under the enhanced movement-control order (EMCO) after 15 Covid-19 cases were detected.

As of today, there are 83 cases at Selangor Mansion and four at Malayan Mansion. Malaysia has so far registered 4,987 infections with 82 deaths.

Masjid India and its surrounding areas were today placed under the EMCO, making the area the fifth to be in lockdown in the country.

Tajuddin Farook, who has been a Selangor Mansion resident for six years, said those living in the building and Malayan Mansion are no longer worried about getting food.

“Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Three meals are given to residents of both blocks now. Our meals are sorted, and we get them on time.”

The meals include chapati, nasi lemak, kampung fried rice, fried noodles, string hoppers, and rice with side dishes.

The residents, mostly foreigners from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, had said the EMCO was sprung on them, leaving them with no time to stock up on food and other essentials.

For the first few days, they said, nearby restaurants gave them food, but not everyone received it.

An Indian national, who wanted to be known only as Kamal, said vegetarian meals are provided.

“Some of us here don’t eat meat, and we are fortunate to get vegetarian meals.”

Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa has said although it is not “normal practice” for the government to provide aid for foreign nationals, the ministry will do so through civil groups, which will feed the estimated 5,000 to 6,000 foreigners in both blocks.

Last week, he said Persatuan Gurdwara Sahib Malaysia will help the ministry provide vegetarian meals to the residents.

Other groups lending a helping hand include Jawi Food Bank, Malaysia Telugu Foundation and Yayasan Permai. – April 14, 2020.