Hunger Won't Wait!

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many people in more ways than one, but its effect on the socio-economic status of many Malaysians is especially stark. Based on the Household Income Estimates and Incidence of Poverty Report, the incidence of absolute poverty in 2020 increased to 8.4% from 5.6% in 2019. In simpler terms, this means that more Malaysians are unable to afford basic necessities such as food, shelter, safe drinking water, education and healthcare.

This increase is especially evident when looking at pictures of the winding lines of people waiting for food aid as well as the recent “white flag” movement. In fact, the number of poor households increased from 405.4 thousand in 2019 to 639.8 thousand households in 2020. These numbers can be attributed to many factors such as rising unemployment and underemployment rates due to the pandemic.

As future nurses, a career path that is so intertwined with humanity and care, we felt an obligation to do something to help. So, on Malaysia Day 2021, we launched our donation drive “Hunger Won’t Wait!” which will run for 2 months with a goal of collecting RM 10,000 in donations. All proceeds of this fundraiser will be donated to Kechara Soup Kitchen Society to help feed Malaysians in need. Perhaps RM 10,000 may seem a minute amount in comparison with the number of households in need. But with the estimation that each meal costs around RM 6, this donation drive will be able to feed nearly 1670 Malaysians. Join us in our effort to help feed the hungry today because every ringgit counts!.