KUALA LUMPUR: More individuals and establishments have jumped on the bandwagon of #KitaJagaKita, #RakyatJagaRakyat, and #BenderaPutih to assist fellow Malaysians in need of food or essentials during this Covid-19 pandemic.
Checks on various social media platforms saw individuals, restaurants, mini-marts and non-governmental organisations offering assistance to those hit by the total lockdown.
In a Facebook post yesterday, 99 Speedmart offered a helping hand to those struggling for food and essentials.
"If you see anyone in the neighbourhood near 99 Speedmart that requires support with a white flag, this is how you can help; send the house address and a picture of the home (with white flag) to our WhatsApp at 010-500 0099, or message us directly on our 99 Speedmart Facebook account via private message."
According to the post, the campaign starts today (July 1) to July 14, with 1,000 food packages prepared daily.
"Goods will be sent within 24 hours and only for housing areas near 99 Speedmart outlets."
Econsave Cash & Carry Sdn Bhd in a Facebook post today also urged those in need, or if the public see any house with a white flag to furnish the information via private message.
"Just take a picture and write the address to us via private message.
"We are ready to assist."
Iberico Kitchen in Jalan SS2/24, Petaling Jaya is offering care bags, and essential grocery items.
In a Facebook post, the restaurant wrote; "Iberico Kitchen has survived all this while, thanks to the support from our customers, our community. Now it is time for us to give back in ways we can.
"We have prepared Care Bags (placed in front of the restaurant), consisting of basic essential grocery items, so you may put food on the table for you or your family.
"If you need it, just take it. If you know of anyone who needs it, just come take it to them.
"Help us help others. Together, we can help more."
The restaurant also wrote that if anyone needs more than available for that day, they can just inform the team.
"We will get the required ready."
As for free meals, Tanah Aina Cafe in Batu Tiga, Shah Alam, is offering free food every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11am to 1pm and 6pm to 8pm.
Also offering free meals are Dulang Kampung Restaurant and Catering in Cyberjaya (Monday to Friday from 7am to 4pm); Suri Restaurant in Taman Setapak Indah (Tuesday to Sunday from 7am); Uncle Chong Local Delights in Bukit Jalil (Monday to Saturday from 5pm to 6.30pm) and Gurdwara Sahib Muar in Muar (every day from 8am to 10am) among others.
Twitter user @pws3932 has called on those living in Sungai Petani (Kedah) area in need of help to contact him.
"Hi, I'm currently based in Sungai Petani now. So, if anyone in Sungai Petani that needs any food or supplies aid to make it through these tough times can let me know.
"I'll see what I can do to help. Not politician, not NGO. I'm just a rakyat," he wrote.
Recently, Malaysians flooded social media with the #BenderaPutih movement, calling those in need of food or essentials to raise a white flag outside their homes.
By doing so, it indicates the household needs assistance, allowing neighbours to render necessary aid to them.
The 'rakyat self-initiative' was derived following the hardship faced by the people.
Currently, Malaysia is still in Phase One of the Movement Control Order under the National Recovery Plan (NRP) and has been under total lockdown since June 1, with only essential economic and services sectors allowed to operate.
Phase One, scheduled to end on June 28, has been extended as the number of Covid-19 cases in the country has not dipped below the threshold of 4,000 required to move to the next phase.