KUALA LUMPUR: The Asnaf charity programme launched by Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) has helped ease financial burdens for members of the B40 groups, senior citizens and people with disabilities.
The programme has collaborated with selected merchants such as MyGroser where an additional monthly allowances of RM150 is credited to their Boost e-wallet.
It operates daily in public housing projects (PPR) around Kuala Lumpur according to the established schedule, starting from 8.30am until 1pm.
"This initiative has been very helpful because I always observe the prices offered in markets and there's definitely a significant difference.
"The price of a large can of sardine is only RM6.90 and a carton of eggs is RM4.50, you don't see these prices elsewhere," said housewife Suraya Ishak, 56.
Suraya said that her household of eight had benefitted from the charity programme as they could purchase more food supplies.
"I also don't need to travel far to buy groceries as the mobile supermarket operates within the PPR compound," she said, adding that her elderly neighbours also found it convenient to shop.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said that to ensure the programme benefitted more quarters, young individuals from the asnaf group could also generate side income from the initiative.
"The youths can become volunteers who will be in charge of taking orders, sorting items and delivery to the customers' household," he said when asked by reporters at Sri Kota Public Housing Project here today.
"For every house that they deliver the items, a commission of RM5 will be credited to their bank accounts.
"This will benefit individuals with disabilities and senior citizens who rely on assistance when purchasing groceries."
The Asnaf charity programme was launched in January 2022, and up until July this year, a total of 21,898 asnaf individuals around Kuala Lumpur area have benefitted from it with expenditures totaling RM30.45 million.
"Aimed at zero hunger, this is MAIWP's effort to enhance the purchasing power of the asnaf group.
"Inshaallah, the basic necessities aid will be increased from RM150 to RM300 starting from next year."