In honour of this year’s Deepavali celebration, the Johor government has announced that 40,000 Indian families will receive food baskets as a token of its gratitude and love for the community.
Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, the Johor Menteri Besar, stated that the inaugural initiative demonstrates the state government’s commitment to the welfare of the Indian community.
“This year, every Indian community in Johor, every Indian family, received a food basket to celebrate Deepavali.’
“This is the first time we did this as a sign of the state government’s love for the Indian community,” he said as he opened the Bangsa Johor Deepavali Bazaar Carnival in Little India.
He added that the initiative reflects the state government’s spirit of unity and concern for all races, as exemplified by Bangsa Johor, and complements various community development programmes that have been implemented.
Meanwhile, Raven Kumar Krishnasamy, chairman of the Johor State Unity, Heritage, and Culture Committee, said that 40,000 food baskets worth approximately RM4.9 million was distributed to low-income Indian families across Johor.
“The distribution of 40,000 food baskets throughout the state commenced prior to Deepavali, as the Menteri Besar Johor intends to help the Indian community in conjunction with the celebrations,” he stated.
Raven, who is also the Tenggaroh State Assemblyman (ADUN), stated that each basket worth approximately RM100, contains basic necessities such as rice, cooking oil, flour, sardines, and special curry spices.
Raven Kumar said the distribution was made through 56 community service centres throughout the state.
According to Raven Kumar, over 5,000 visitors joined the celebration.
“Being able to celebrate the Bangsa Johor Deepavali Celebration on a large scale at Permas Jaya with over 5,000 guests of various races and nationalities made me feel very proud and happy.”
“This occasion is not only a celebration but also a representation of the harmony and solidarity of the Johorean people, which we always value as a community.”
“More significantly, giving “duit raya” to kids brightened the mood and demonstrated the love and spirit of giving that transcends racial and religious boundaries,” he said.
