Fatimah (right) and state Women’s Bureau director Noriah Ahmad with the festive goodies, meant for the men and women of the nation’s security forces who will be on duty during Hari Raya.
KUCHING: Members of the nation’s security forces are never forgotten for their sacrifice in not being able to be with their loved ones during festive seasons.
In this regard, 18 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have taken up the task of preparing Hari Raya goodies for these brave men and women who will be on duty during the celebrations.
The items to be packed into individual boxes include ‘serunding’ (meat floss), rock biscuits, dried-prawn popiahs, murukus and Kek Hati Parek, as well as snacks comprising peanuts with dried anchovies or cornflakes.
According to Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah, RM95,000 has been allocated for the preparation of 6,000 packs of Hari Raya goodies this year.
“This is an annual programme where we prepare and distribute festive goodies to members of the army, police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Immigration Department, Prisons Department, Royal Customs and Excise Department as well as Fire and Rescue Department – who are on duty during Hari Raya celebrations.
“These packs are to show our appreciation for the men and women of the nation’s security forces, who have been working hard round the clock to ensure our security.
“It is hoped that these goodies would lift their spirit up while performing their duties,” she said during a press conference at Wisma Wanita here yesterday.
Fatimah said the items would be packed into boxes for distribution on June 27, with the handover to recipients on July 1.
“Based on our past experience, we would hold food-tasting (on the items) to ensure their taste and quality. Since these items are being shipped to stations across the state, we must make sure they reach the recipients without going bad,” she added.