TNB Staff Inspire Wave Of Kindness Through SARA Contributions

By Muhammad Adzhar Tajuddin

IPOH, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Moved to help those in need, two Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Perak staff decided to channel the RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) assistance they received to purchase a SARA Rahmah Food Box initiative implemented by Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad (MYDIN).

Abu Bakar Ismail, 40, said that although the contribution was modest, he hoped it could be shared with those who were more in need.

“We still have a steady income and can manage for ourselves and our families. So, it is better to use this money to buy the basic food box provided by MYDIN.

“For me, besides sharing our blessings, it is hoped that this small effort can help ease the burden of those who are truly deserving and in need,” he said when met by Bernama at the Mydin Meru Raya Hypermarket here.

Abu Bakar said his action was also voluntary as he thought of those who had to tighten their belts just to get by each day.

“If we can let go of a little, someone else who receives it will smile with joy and relief. That is more meaningful than us spending on something non-essential," said Abu Bakar, who has worked at TNB for 17 years.

Meanwhile, his colleague, Abdul Hafiz Mohamad Yusof, 41, said he was motivated to join the initiative as he believed it could become a proactive community movement to help those in dire need.

“If one person helps another, we can create a wave of kindness. That is what I hope can be sparked and followed by more individuals coming forward together to help,” he said.

The young man from Tanjung Rambutan added that such an initiative not only helped the recipients directly, but also opened up opportunities for the community to practise a culture of caring.

“What is important is not the amount, but the sincerity of the heart. If we do it sincerely, it can give strength to those who receive it,” he said.

Abdul Hafiz said contributing through the food box was also a way to express gratitude for the life he enjoyed.

“I try to imagine that if I myself were in a situation of hardship, it would mean a lot when someone helps me like this,” he said.

On Aug 30, Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh encouraged recipients who did not intend to use the cash aid to channel it to those in need.

Fuziah said the contribution could also be made to MYDIN, which was targeting the provision of 200,000 Rahmah SARA Food Boxes to be distributed to selected recipients.

The SARA assistance amounting to RM100 as a one-off payment was channelled on Aug 31, benefiting 22 million people with an allocation of RM2 billion.

It was given to all citizens aged 18 and above, regardless of their financial status, and could be redeemed cashlessly at selected supermarkets using their MyKad.

-- BERNAMA