Public urged to donate to less fortunate

IN A bid to help eradicate poverty, the Village Consultative Council (MPK) of Kg Lumut 1 yesterday launched its inaugural charity drive for less fortunate families in the area.

A delegation, comprising village residents and members of the MPK, visited the homes of five poor families to hand over donations of food and money.

The delegation was led by Yang Berhormat Hj Shafie Hj Ahmad, Legislative Council (LegCo) member and village head of Kg Lumut 1.

Besides helping to alleviate their financial burden, the purpose of the donations is also to "bring joy to the families" in the run up to the Hari Raya celebrations.

YB Hj Shafie, in his speech, called upon the people, particularly those who are wealthy, to contribute towards the less fortunate in the nation. He noted that the less fortunate residents are "few" compared to those outside the low-income category.

"This means we are more than capable to help those in need. It is, therefore, our responsibility to lessen the suffering faced by our brothers and sisters in Islam," he said.

According to YB Hj Shafie, the initiative towards the eradication of poverty requires public awareness through effective means, such as education and the mass media. "How can we help the poor if we don't know who they are?" he questioned.

As the village head, he explained that it is his duty to look after his village residents . He pointed out, however, that it is "not a one-man job".

"I will strive to take care of the residents in my village to the best of my ability. So long as I remain village head, their welfare will not be neglected," he said, adding that support from the village is imperative for the success of initiatives, such as the charity drive.

Slated to become an annual tradition during Ramadhan, YB Hj Shafie is optimistic that the charity drive will help the less fortunate residents to escape the vicious cycle of poverty.

He hoped that the number of recipients in future charity drives will gradually decrease.

"I urge them, particularly those who are still healthy and strong, to be proactive in overcoming their less fortunate condition," he said.

YB Hj Shafie suggested that the women should seek employment advice from the Women's Bureau, while the men should approach the MPK.

Among the recipients of the inaugural charity drive yesterday were four elderly widows and a 58-year-old single mother.

A portion of the donations were also contributed by the National Welfare Fund and the Belait District Office. The Brunei Times