Putrajaya sets up 24-hour food basket hotline to tackle pandemic hunger

A nationwide hotline has been set up by the women, family and community development ministry under the Bakul Prihatin Negara initiative for those who are low on food and in need of help.

Ministry spokesman Eikmar Rizal said the line, operated by the social welfare department (JKM), can be accessed from every district in the country.

“Anyone who is in need of help can call us at 15999 or reach us at the nearest operation room,” he told MalaysiaNow.

He said assistance would be sent out beginning July 19 although those who are in severe need should alert JKM so that aid can be delivered as soon as possible.

He said assistance would be sent out as quickly as possible to ensure the welfare of those in need.

The Bakul Prihatin Negara hotline will be open 24 hours every day. Members of the public can also request for help by sending a WhatsApp message to 019-261 5999.

Some RM21 million was allocated for the Bakul Prihatin Negara initiative to cushion the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the people.

The women, family and community development ministry said yesterday that the initiative was a strategic partnership between the government and corporate companies, with aid delivered by volunteers under Skuad Prihatin Negara.

RM5 million of the amount for the initiative comes from government allocations while the remaining RM16 million is from five corporate companies.