A RM2 million food aid programme for those hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic will be launched today by the ECM Libra Foundation.

Under the programme, marginalised communities and the urban poor will be fed for the next six to 12 months.

Foundation chairman Kalimullah Hassan said the initiative has the support of prominent individuals and corporate bigwigs.

“We also pledge to match donations from our friends ringgit for ringgit, for up to another RM1 million, making our total contribution RM2 million.

“The funds will be enough to feed 1,000 to 2,000 families for six to 12 months.”

He said the foundation is not seeking nor will it accept funds from the public.

“The donors will only be from among our friends and associates, and the funds will be channelled directly to the recipients through participating civil society groups.”

ECM Libra will engage 10 organisations focusing on different communities, including the Orang Asli, single mothers, B40 folk, orphans, refugees, migrant workers and the stateless.

“These groups are the hardest hit. Since the movement-control order (was enforced), many have struggled to feed themselves and their families,” said Kalimullah.

“In many cases, they’ve had to pawn their jewellery, sell their cars and motorcycles, and resort to petty crime, like stealing infant formula, nappies, Milo and even petai to feed their starving families.”

Among the groups that will work with the foundation are the Pertiwi Soup Kitchen, Kechara Soup Kitchen, Yayasan Chow Kit, Good Shepherd Services, Women:girls (kakiseni) and Sisters of Jannah Amal.

The food aid programme is slated to begin next week, and will be monitored by Messrs Kesavan Advocates & Solicitors, leading legal firm Chooi & Company + Cheang and Ariff, as well as KPMG, which have agreed to provide their services pro bono.

A squash match between Air Asia Group CEO Tony Fernandes and property tycoon Salim Fateh Din will be held next month to raise funds for the programme.

The fixture, named “The Battle of the Bulge”, will air on Astro, and seeks to collect donations from the corporate duo’s friends and business partners. – July 10, 2020.