KUALA LUMPUR (July 10): ECM Libra Foundation has launched a food aid programme for the marginalised and urban poor most affected by the economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Its chairman Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan said in a statement that the foundation has pledged RM1 million and hoped to raise another RM1 million from friends and associates.

“We further pledge to match every donation from our friends’ ringgit to ringgit for up to another RM1 million, making our total contribution RM2 million. These monies will be enough to feed from 1,000 to 2,000 families for six to 12 months,” he said.

The foundation will work with 10 non-governmental organisations to carry out the food aid programme.

These NGOs are involved with assisting the Orang Asli community, single mothers, the bottom 40% wage earners, orphans, refugees, stateless individuals and migrant workers throughout Malaysia.

Kalimullah pointed out that the target groups are among the hardest hit during the movement control order imposed since March 18. Many had resorted to pawning family heirlooms or precious possessions such as jewellery while the very worst off had committed petty crimes to put food on the table.

“We have therefore decided to match our money with money from these friends and associates who want to assist the ‘invisible communities’ until the Malaysian economy is back on track again, hopefully, within the next 12 months,” he said.

“We envisage that we would require at least RM3 million to enable us to provide food for up to 2,000 families throughout the country for the next six to 12 months,” Kalimullah said.

ECM Libra Foundation’s contribution will be placed in a separate bank account managed by its trustees and former Bar Council president Ragunath Kesavan.

Law firm Chooi & Company + Cheang and Ariff will oversee its legal aspects while KPMG will audit the accounts.

AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and businessman Tan Sri Salim Fateh Din are also on board to raise funds with a proposed squash match titled “Battle of the Bulge”.

Malaysia’s budget airline king and the real estate tycoon are proposing to raise funds from their own associates and friends from this squash match.

Broadcaster Astro has proposed to air the match and together with The Edge and other media partners, regular updates will be broadcast and published until the funds are exhausted.