KOTA KINABALU: Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) Api-Api candidate Thonny Chee says his team, through the TCI initiative, hopes to collaborate with Persatuan Dapur Kita Sabah (Dapur Kita-Kita) to form a more comprehensive support package for vulnerable communities.
He said the partnership would see Dapur Kita-Kita providing meals while TCI offers temporary shelter and other assistance to strengthen the welfare network in the city.
Chee shared this after visiting Bandaran Berjaya in Api-Api where he observed the community programme run by Dapur Kita-Kita with the support of Jetsin Sdn Bhd, the Sabah Chefs Association and several NGOs and individual volunteers.
The programme, understood to distribute 200 free lunches daily except on Sundays and public holidays, aims to ease the burden of low-income workers, the homeless and families of hospital patients living in the city.
Chee said the initiative inspired him deeply, adding that if elected, he intends to work closely with corporate bodies and NGOs to expand welfare programmes, including temporary housing support, to build “a kinder and more compassionate Kota Kinabalu.”
“For me, Kota Kinabalu is a city full of hope, and I want to join hands with organisations and individuals who share the same vision of helping those in need,” he said.
Chee also revealed that he grew up in a poor family and had once experienced homelessness himself after moving from Kampung Pitas to Kota Kinabalu as a youth.
“I understand that feeling very well, and if we have the means, we must help and give back to society,” he said.
Persatuan Dapur Kita Sabah president Datuk Jade Koh, who accompanied the visit, said he hopes the spirit of public service will continue to grow across the City through the efforts of sincere individuals and groups.
He reminded voters ahead of the polls to choose leaders with integrity and urged candidates to work hand-in-hand with NGOs to improve the effectiveness of community services.
