KOTA KINABALU: The Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) hopes more caring organisations could come forward to assist the underprivileged and the needy groups in the state, amidst the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its President, Tan Sri T.C Goh said, besides the government, civil society organizations (CSOs), caring corporations and individuals too could play a significant role of helping the underprivileged and the needy groups, during this trying time.
He expressed this while speaking at the launch of FCAS’s charitable programme of distributing essential supplies to the underprivileged and the needy groups. Also present at the occasion were its two vice presidents Kapitan Fung Chun Fatt and Lim Vun Chan, Secretary-general Datuk Yong Soo Pin, its Treasurer-general, David Chan and his assistant, Chen Ee Sheng, among others.
The said charitable programme was the latest in a series of FCAS’s community outreach programmes following its recent “Sumbangsih Makanan” food aid programme of distributing 1,000 packs of free lunch in aid of those who are in need and the medical frontliners.
Under the “essential supplies” programme, FCAS is distributing such essential items like rice, biscuits, bread, salt, various types of beverages, surgical masks etc, to the underprivileged and the needy groups. Such a timely noble act received commendations from the beneficiaries.
Goh who is also a member of the State Economic Advisory Council (SEAC) and President of the Federation of Sabah and Labuan Hokkien Associations (FSLHA) acknowledged that, although both the federal and the state governments had rolled out a series of welfare aid packages including living allowances, to assist the people to cope with the devastating impact of the pandemic, they were nonetheless not enough. Hence, it is crucial and necessary for caring corporations and individuals to step in to provide the much needed assistance to the underprivileged and the needy groups in our community.
He especially expressed his gratitude to one of FCAS’s honorary advisors who requested anonymity for sponsoring 123 cartons of biscuits to the said charitable programme.
“Such a low-profile act is very noble and honorable, indeed. All I can reveal about this ‘honorable advisor’ is that he likes to sing,” he said.
He then reiterated that FCAS hopes that its series of charitable outreach programmes would inspire more caring corporations and individuals to come forward to make a difference amidst this unprecedented challenging period of time, where every single help, regardless of the size or amount, counts.
“We are all in this fight against the pandemic together, hence it has become even more crucial and necessary for us to come forward to support and to help each other to win this battle,” he concluded. -pr/BNN
