More than a year has passed since the start of the pandemic, but the situation has only gone from bad to worse for Malaysians. Daily Covid-19 cases are continuing to surge above 5,000, and we won’t be seeing a definite date to lockdown anytime soon. Local businesses and communities are suffering more than ever, with a lot of the former slowly shutting down and the latter are having to deal with worsening financial issues as well as declining mental health.
Now, even non-profit organisations are feeling the brunt of the pandemic – running severely low on both funds and resources to keep up with the needs of communities most affected by lockdown. In order to help everyone survive, Malaysians have banded together to initiate the #BenderaPutih / White Flag movement, as well as #KitaJagaKita and #RakyatJagaRaykat.
If you’d like to play a part in these initiatives, truly support local, and are able to support fellow Malaysians who are in dire need of basic necessities and food, below you’ll find a list of Covid-19 food aid drives that you can donate to and support.
The Lost Food Project
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The idea to rescue “lost food” in Malaysia first came about in 2015, which eventually led to the establishment of non-profit organisation The Lost Food Project. Their volunteers work closely with food distributors and suppliers to help reduce the impact of food waste on the environment, then giving the surplus food to charity partners who turn them into meals for Malaysia’s most vulnerable people.
The Lost Food Project has several donation channels, which can be found here.
For more information, visit their website.
Kechara Soup Kitchen Society
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Whether its the homeless, urban poor, or Orang Asli populations, KSK has been serving marginalised communities in Malaysia for the past 13 years. Following the ethos of ‘Hunger Knows No Barriers’, the non-profit NGO has prepared Emergency Food Boxes to help deliver food and essentials to at-risk families and individuals. However, due to the high demand for essentials from affected people, KSK is now seeking food donations and funds to continue their aid.
Donate to:
Kechara Soup Kitchen Society
Maybank 5122 3133 4873 (Swift Code: MBBEMYKL)
For more information, visit their website or contact them at +010 333 3260, +603 2141 6046, or via email ksk@kechara.com and WhatsApp +6016 352 3247.
Yayasan Food Bank
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Established in January 2019, Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia (YFBM) is a non-profit NGO by “rescuing” surplus food from the manufacturer, wholesaler, hypermarket, and hotel industry. The food is then re-distributed to targeted B40 communities in higher learning institutions (IPT), charity homes, welfare centres, and Program Perumahan Rakyat Termiskin (PPRT) to help reduce food waste while lessen the costs of living for underprivileged Malaysians.
With its Covid-19 Emergency Fund, Yayasan Food Bank provides food assistance to households affected during the pandemic and nationwide lockdown. Each family food box consists of basic food items as well as other non-perishable food supplies worth of 1 week of groceries.
Donate to:
For more information, visit their website or contact via email donation@foodbankmalaysia.org and WhatsApp +6011 3767 0600.
Refuge for the Refugees
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Founded in 2012 by Heidy Quah when was just 18 years old, Refuge for Refugees has expanded from a fundraising project from a single centre to setting up 10 refugee schools across Malaysia in order to enable the latter’s access to basic education facilities. In February, Refuge for Refugees partnered up with Malaysia Muda to kickstart the Food Aid Fundraiser Program, in order to help B40, migrant, and refugee families.
Donate to:
Persatuan Kebajikan Perlindugan Kanak-Kanak Pelarian
CIMB Bank Berhad – 8000499285 (REF: FOODAID)
For more information, follow Refuge for the Refugees on Instagram and Facebook, or contact Hilda at 010 3626904.
Lockdown Kit
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Initiated merely a week ago by a group of anonymous Malaysians, the Lockdown Kit provides a straightforward list of dry food and daily necessities, ranging from toothpaste and sanitary pads, to easy-to-prepare meals and snacks. Families or individuals who require help with essentials can reach out via Instagram DM @lockdownkit with their name, contact number, and delivery address. While the organisation is currently not equipped to receive donations, locals are still encouraged to share their post and initiative around in order to reach those in need of the kits.
For more information, visit and follow Lockdown Kit on Instagram.
The Hope Branch
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Established by Harith Iskander and Dr Jezamine Lim, The Hope Branch is an initiative that seeks to raise funds for those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Those looking to lend a hand can contribute to the NGO’s goals which include flood relief, EMCO essential groceries distribution, and feeding the homeless or underprivileged.
The Hope Branch has several donation channels, which can be found here.
For more information, follow their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Fugee
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Together with Dato’ Sri Devan Vidondaraja, non-profit NGO Fugee by Deborah Henry have started an initiative to feed 200 refugee, migrant, and Malaysian families on a weekly basis with food packs. Each pack costs RM70, but those interested in donating are free to give any amount possible to support the cause.
Donate to:
Liberty to Learn Berhad
RHB Bank 21427700058070
Kembara Kitchen
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While Kembara Kitchen is primarily known for its catering services, they have extended their own helping hand through the #KembaraHeroMeals initiative, where their team serves ready-cooked meals to the underprivileged, disaster relief victims, as well as frontliners. Through their NGO partners, the enterprise also provides care packs to families in need. Donations in the form of daily essentials or cash are welcome.
Donate to:
Kembara Kitchen
CIMB 8602542231 (REF: HERO (Hero meals) / MCO3 (care packs)
For more information, follow their Facebook and Instagram pages, or contact yilynchan@sosprime.com
Women’s Aid Organisation
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For women, mothers, and children who are victims of domestic abuse can find free shelter, counselling, and crisis support at the Women’s Aid Organisation. To help support their residents and survivors at the shelter, WAO has created a donation appeal online seeking perishable foods such as vegetables, fish, and poultry. Cash donations are also welcome to help fund crisis counselling for mother and child, upskill programs, and tuition sessions.
Donate to:
Women’s Aid Organisation
CIMB 8002382997
For more information, visit their website or contact partnership@wao.org.my
Food Aid Foundation
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Founded by Rick Chee and Faisal Ghazali in 2013, Food Aid Foundation is a non-profit NGO and food bank that connects with manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and companies to rescue surplus food. The food is then distributed to welfare homes, volunteer welfare organisations, underprivileged families, and soup kitchens. Since the worsening of the pandemic in Malaysia, Food Aid Foundation has given out thousands of food bags to vaccination and quarantine centres, as well as essential supplies to affected communities.
If you’re looking to donate cash, food, or simply volunteer, more information can be found on their website.
Donate to:
Food Aid Foundation
Maybank – 564780165577
You may also submit your interest by emailing info@foodaidfoundation.org or call +603 9226 5500.
REXKL
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In support of the recent #benderaputih campaign, REXKL has launched a food bank in support of those who are literally going hungry in the worsened Covid-19 crisis. The food bank opens from 10am, and can be found at the REXKL entrance in 80, Jalan Sultan, City Centre.
Those who would like to contribute may also contact Angel or Raihan at +6011 2600 4808.