'Help the less fortunate'

ALOR STAR: The state government has urged non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and voluntary bodies to be proactive in helping the disabled.

Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said this was in line with the state government’s pledge in its 13th General Election manifesto to improve the livelihood and extend better assistance to the disabled.

“The disabled have equal rights to live a quality life, just like the rest of us. Hence, we should all help them so that they are not left out of the development process,” he said before presenting Hari Raya packets and food hampers to 35 disabled children and teenagers under the care of community rehabilitation centres in the state.

The group was later feted to a buka puasa treat, organised by the Welfare Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti) and Kedah Barisan Nasional State Assemblymen Wives’ Association (Bidara) at the menteri besar’s official residence in Sri Mentaloon yesterday.

Mukhriz commended the two NGOs for organising the annual charity programme to help the underprivileged group, including the disabled, orphans and the needy.

He also urged other NGOs and voluntary associations to take part in empowering the group.

“The state government needs full support from all quarters, including NGOs such as Bakti and Bidara, to ensure the success of the various transformation programmes.

“We hope Bakti and Bidara will continue to lend support by focusing on programmes to elevate the livelihood of the people, especially the underprivileged.”