Army veteran continues to help from the sidelines
CORONAVIRUS | When the army was deployed to assist in the enforcement of the movement control order, Daud Abdul Hamid could only observe from the sidelines.
The army veteran retired from the force four years ago, and his last base was at the Port Dickson training camp.
However, not being on active duty is not an excuse for the 58-year-old to remain idle in times of need...
CORONAVIRUS | When the army was deployed to assist in the enforcement of the movement control order, Daud Abdul Hamid could only observe from the sidelines.
The army veteran retired from the force four years ago, and his last base was at the Port Dickson training camp.
However, not being on active duty is not an excuse for the 58-year-old to remain idle in times of need.
Daud, who lives in Semenyih, proceeded to collect donations from his neighbours and assist the needy, particularly those living in destitute.
Following that, Daud set-up a counter at Masjid Rinching, Semenyih, to distribute daily essentials such as rice, milk, biscuits, sugar and salt.
Contacted by Malaysiakini, Daud described his efforts as "help from the people for the people".
"We also have to see that although the frontliners need help, other traders, stall owners and asnaf (zakat recipients) are also in difficulties.
"All of them have lost their source of income, so I want to offer help from the people for the people," said Daud who personally distributed the aid.
Daud's good intentions had attracted public attention since yesterday after his daughter, Aida Suraya Daud, uploaded a photograph of him at the mosque.
"Ayah opened a counter of dry goods for senior citizens, asnaf and locals in need... items can be taken for free.
"I feel touched looking at ayah, please pray he will remain healthy and able to help those in need," Aida tweeted, posting a photograph of Daud.
The tweet and photo of Daud's selfie while dressed in a raincoat, with the goods to be distributed seen in the background, has been retweeted over 9,000 times.
Daud told Malaysiakini he had worn the raincoat as an extra precaution and to adhere to the movement control order.
"I wear the raincoat like a protective suit because I'll be outside to distribute the aide.
"Those who came, I also asked them to come alone and at a set time... they can't come in groups.
"This is to follow the government's orders," he said.
Daud further explained that the main mosque remained closed, and only the cooperative shop located within its compound is open for the distribution activity.
"I only opened it for about two hours after Asad prayers," he added.
The movement control order in force since March 18 has been extended to April 14.
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