However, with the economy in tatters, not everyone can afford the luxury of staying in without a worry, especially the underprivileged of Malaysia.
Thankfully, there are some Malaysians who are willing to lend a hand to those who need it the most, as among these folks with hearts of gold is the 71-year-old Tony Lian.
Lian is a familiar face to the underprivileged residents of Kuala Lumpur, as he is often seen distributing food and other necessities whenever and wherever he can.
Through his charity organisation, Food4U, he has helped hundreds of struggling families. Even amidst the pandemic, he and his volunteers relentlessly ensure that no one goes to bed hungry.
Recently, he has also gone above and beyond to help people who need more than just food to get through the day.
While holding a soup kitchen in Chow Kit, Lian and his volunteers came across a dishevelled woman sleeping under a bus stand.
Siti Hawar had apparently been sleeping there for several months now, without a family to look after her and with an apparent mental condition.
Gaining her trust was an uphill battle, but Lian visited her dutifully for three weeks, bringing her necessities.
“After winning her trust, we managed to rent a room for her to stay at Selayang Flats on Jalan Raja Laut,” Lian told FMT.
However, some of the other tenants soon complained that Siti refused to use her private toilet properly and practiced poor hygiene.
“Many told me to leave her alone as she’s mentally ill and even those who offered help, merely provided me with links to some other organisation,” said Lian.
Despite the difficulty, Lian knew he had to help Siti otherwise she might return to the destitute streets.
After countless phone calls to many individuals and groups, Lian finally received assistance from the Mental Illness Awareness Support Association who took Siti into their care.
“Siti is now being cared for at Hospital Kuala Lumpur and is under treatment and observation,” said Lian, expressing his gratitude to the association for its timely help.
In another instance of charity, Lian also recently worked to ensure that a homeless mother and her son would get a roof over their heads.
“During our weekly Friday 9pm feeding activities in KL, we came across Yati and her son sleeping along the corridor of Cahaya Suria, Kota Raya, next to a mamak restaurant,” said Lian.
Eventually, Yati explained that they had ended up homeless after her husband had recently passed away.
With help of the authorities, private individuals and organisations, Lian and Food4U managed to secure not only a home but also a workplace far from the dangers of the city.
“With the help of a very kind entrepreneur from Langkawi, she is now working and staying with her four-year-old son in a resort,” said Lian.
Despite his seemingly endless energy, Lian is but one man and still needs help in identifying and reaching out to underprivileged and disabled folks in need of aid during the pandemic.
“The general public can help by volunteering in our feeding activities, providing essential groceries, ensuring these families have food on their table, identifying families who need help and providing financial assistance.”
As Lian points out, the struggle of the less fortunate can be alleviated through collective action and “through the spirit of sharing and caring.”
Help feed the hungry by donating essentials to Food4U’s distribution centre, donating to its account (Public Bank 4826007307) or calling Uncle Tony at 017 881 2666 for further information.
Food4U
No 4, Jalan P 2/18
Sekyen 2
Bandar Teknologi Kajang
43000 Semenyih
Selangor