TWO of Malaysia’s top business tycoons will be taking part in a charity squash match to raise funds for charities that are struggling amid the pandemic

AirAsia Group Bhd chief executive officer Tony Fernandes and former Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) executive director Salim Fateh Din will be going head to head in the match titled “Battle of The Bulge”. 

The organisers in a statement said the funds are much needed since the Covid-19 pandemic has spread across the world, affecting tens of thousands of Malaysians – among them the elderly and children.

They said due to the pandemic, many have lost their jobs and have not been able to find other work as they struggle to put food on the table.  

The organisers said while the government had introduced several initiatives, it is an impossible task to ensure that every marginalised or vulnerable group, such as the urban and rural poor, the indigenous communities, single mothers, migrant workers and refugees are provided for. 

The organisers hope to raise enough funds from fellow corporations to provide at least 150,000 meals or feed at least 1,000 families for six months, until there is some economic recovery.  

They said many civil society groups throughout the country who have been helping these communities are shocked at how extensively it has affected poor and vulnerable Malaysians.

In reality, they said, both the world and Malaysia have not faced a pandemic of these proportions in modern times.

They added that funding is drying up and fatigue is setting in among donors who had, in the past, generously opened their wallets. 

The funding will benefit Pertiwi Soup Kitchen, Kechara Soup Kitchen, Good Shepherd Services, Yayasan Chow Kit and the Malaysian Relief Agency. 

The event will take place on October 18, at the Arena Nicol David in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. – September 29, 2020.