Tough times call for larger-scale efforts
The challenging economic environment has led to higher living costs, further cornering vulnerable families into a tighter spot.
For Normaizan Sulaiman, a full-time caretaker and resident in low-cost residential area PPR Lembah Subang 2, it’s been rough. “Without a job, my husband and I completely rely on government and NGO support”, she says.
For Normaizan Sulaiman, a full-time caretaker and resident in low-cost residential area PPR Lembah Subang 2, it’s been rough. “Without a job, my husband and I completely rely on government and NGO support”, she says.
Normaizan left her job to take care of her bedridden husband due to his deteriorating health condition.
Echoing Normaizan’s grief was 80-year-old Mak Jah who had to shoulder the responsibility of taking care of both her young grandchildren when she lost her daughter due to a sudden illness last October.
Soaring inflation rates are constraining household budgets and vulnerable communities have been the hardest hit.
To lift the burden of those in need, Fonterra Malaysia collaborated with the national foodbank, Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia (YFBM) for the third time to reach out to more than 1500 families nationwide with its high-quality Fernleaf and Anlene UHT milk.
Fifty families in PPR Lembah Subang 2 were the first benefeciaries to a kickstart the foodbank’s nationwide initiative, Kembara Merdeka that aims to support vulnerable families.
“The current economic uncertainties make for difficult times. We have a responsibility to keep our communities hunger-free and strong,” said Carolyn Lim, Fonterra Malaysia’s HR Director.
The initiative is part of Fonterra’s Good Together philosophy to create a positive change in the community by putting its naturally nutritious dairy in the hands of those who need it.
At the kick off, Fonterra’s in-house nutritionist, Wendy Goh shared the importance of dairy nutrition and the goodness of New Zealand milk that piqued the interest of the PPR Lembah Subang 2 residents.
“The current economic uncertainties make for difficult times. We have a responsibility to keep our communities hunger-free and strong”
“We’re grateful for partners like Fonterra. Though we have the network to aid support for those in need, we rely on donations and sponsors from organizations to realize our objective in creating ‘zero hunger’ communities throughout Malaysia”, said Johan Halid, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia.
Fonterra’s partnership on the Kembara Merdeka initiative starts in July and will assist 1500 families in need across the country, covering states like Kedah, Perak, Pahang, Johor, and Kelantan.