Big-hearted Malaysians are reaching into their pockets to raise funds to supply schools with reusable masks to protect students against the Covid-19 virus.

The fundraising campaign is dubbed "The Big Give" and is organised by the fundraising platform "100% Project". The campaign, which kicked off on July 16, has since raised RM19,119, which is enough to supply 1,909 pieces of masks to two schools.

While masks are not compulsory for schoolgoers who do not show symptoms of Covid-19, the campaign complies with the Health Ministry directive encouraging mask-wearing in public.

The Big Give is also collaborating with Mangosteen, a social enterprise that hires a community of mothers from the B40 and Orang Asli communities to sew the face masks in return for a steady income.

Aishah Parker, who leads The Big Give, said...