The world of Tzu Chi August 2020 (Vol.125)

2020 • 08 22 eature The Kita1Keluarga relief programme The lives ofmanyMalaysians havebeenaffected by the MCO restrictions; although some have emerged from the economic hiatus unscathed, others have been struggling to sustain their livelihoods and are in need of assistance from the public. S ince the onset of the local Covid-19 outbreak in March, Tzu Chi KL & Selangor has been offering timely assistance to meet the needs of frontline medical personnel and impoverished communities, benefitting more than 2,000 organizations including hospitals, clinics, police stations and schools, in addition to over 28,000 provisions of aid to needy households. Most business sectors have now reopened following the easing of MCO restrictions. Yet, the unemployment rate in Malaysia had increased to 5.3 percent in May 2020 from 3.3 percent in the same month a year earlier. According to a report by the Social Security Organization (SOCSO), many businesses were experiencing a drop in demand and were not operating as usual, which will lead to more job losses. The pandemic has posed a significant challenge to our country’s economy. Although the local Covid-19 situation currently seems to be under control, many Malaysians are already struggling over their bread and butter. Hence, Tzu Chi initiated the Kita1Keluarga relief programme as part of the organization’s efforts to rally kind-hearted souls to extend assistance to disadvantaged groups in staying true to its ethos of caring for society. The programme was launched on July 12, 2020; home visits to prospective beneficiaries and assessments of their living conditions commenced in early August. Applicants who are eligible for assistance will receive cash handouts ranging from RM500 to RM800 for three consecutive months beginning September 2020. This relief programme is estimated to benefit 3,000 underprivileged families in the KL and Selangor region. As of July 28, 2020, Tzu Chi KL & Selangor had received a total of 4,381 applications. Tzu Chi volunteers spreading the message on the Kita1Keluarga relief programme to encourage eligible beneficiaries to apply for assistance. [Photograph by Lim Chin Shein]