The world of Tzu Chi March 2023 (Vol.145)

2023 • 03 28 ocal News Translated by Lim Wen-Xin Since September last year, Tzu Chi Malacca has collaborated with various enterprises to launch a food bank programme that connects social resources and efforts to distribute free food supplies to disadvantaged families on the third Saturday of each month. With the Lunar New Year falling in January 2023, the food distribution was especially brought forward to January 14 so that families celebrating the festival could have peace of mind. The supplies included white rice, noodles, biscuits, beverages, vegetables, and fruits for 415 families. To-date, the food bank programme has conducted six distributions, benefitting 1,366 families. A tragic landslide occurred at a campsite in Batang Kali at around 3 a.m. on December 16, 2022. Following the incident, Tzu Chi volunteers and staff members were promptly mobilised to the Ulu Yam police station and to arrange subsequent care work. As bodies of the deceased were sent to the mortuary at Sungai Buloh Hospital, volunteers obtained hospital consent and formed a care team, stationing themselves at the hospital to care for and comfort the affected families. They also distributed blessing packages, hot meals, and other essential items, and coordinated online chanting for the deceased. A total of 92 victims were recorded, and Tzu Chi distributed emergency cash relief to 31 deceased, 5 hospitalised, and 1 injured victim. KL & Selangor I 16.12.2022 Malacca I 14.01.2023 Compassionate Care for Batang Kali Landslide Victims Food Bank, Sending Warmth for Lunar NewYear By the Tzu Chi Documenting Team Photo by Leong Chian Yee By Low Siew Lian & Julie Yen Yu Chu Photo by Hong Geok Hui