KHAIRY Jamaluddin, Barisan Nasional’s candidate for Sungai Buloh, welcomes collaborations with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to carry out programmes and initiatives for local communities.

“We can’t always rely 100% on government aid (to implement programmes),” he said.

“If I am elected as MP, I am able to tap into my network of NGOs that can help (to carry out programmes here in Sungai Buloh).”

Under the “Sejahtera Sungai Buloh” pillar of Khairy’s manifesto, one of his plans is to collaborate with the corporate sector and NGOs on welfare assistance programmes.

Khairy was speaking during a visit on Thursday evening (Nov 17) to a one-stop community centre for the Indian community at Gugusan Cempaka, Section 6, Kota Damansara.

“I thank Mycare for helping to reopen this place that was forced to close due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“They came in to repaint and reopen the place as a daycare centre and activity centre for the local Indian community,” he said, adding that he welcomed future collaborations with NGOs for initiatives to uplift local communities.

Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas (DHRRA) Malaysia community outreach director Manivannan Kandasamy said MyCare comprises a coalition of NGOs and social enterprises that include DHRRA and Masala Wheels.

“DHRRA Malaysia’s vision and mission is to develop and assist vulnerable communities in terms of education, welfare and other social support,” said Manivannan.

“We offer services such as counselling, identity documentation and stateless matters, disaster aid as well as empowerment programmes for B40 entrepreneurs and community leaders.”

On the community centre at Gugusan Cempaka, he said it was previously run by Persatuan Penduduk Kaum India Gugusan Cempaka Seksyen 6 Kota Damansara, but closed for some time due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“DHRRA Malaysia came in to support the residents association so they can restart this place as a one-stop community centre for the Indian community,” said Manivannan.

“We will help them cover the cost of running classes for the daycare centre, teachers’ salaries, meals and utility bills.

“This place will also serve as a community centre to provide welfare and social support as well as awareness and training programmes for parents. The programmes are tailored for the B40 Indian community due to the language barrier they face.”

He added that the daycare centre serves not only those residing in Gugusan Cempaka, but also the nearby Gugusan Seroja and Gugusan Tanjung flats.

Sungai Buloh will see a seven-way fight in the 15th General Election.

Khairy will be up against Ramanan Ramakrishnan (Pakatan Harapan – PKR), Mohd Ghazali Md Hamin (Perikatan Nasional – PAS), Mohd Akmal Mohd Yusoff (Gerakan Tanah Air – Pejuang), Ahmad Jufliz Faiza (Parti Rakyat Malaysia) as well as Independent candidates Syed Razak Alsagoff and Nurhaslinda Basri (Sifu Linda).