The STACT (Student Action) Club at INTI International University recently embarked on a mission to extend compassion beyond their campus walls. Their initiative, ‘Rendering Service PLUS-Comfort in a Box’, aimed to provide not just warmth and care, but a sense of belonging to the homeless population in Kuala Lumpur’s Petaling Street area. On the night of 21 March, club members distributed warm meals from 10 pm to 2 am, offering a ray of hope and comfort to those in need.
This event wasn’t just about providing aid but instilling a sense of community responsibility and empathy. Eugene Liew Wei Tek, a Mass Communication student and the club’s chairperson, highlighted their broader goal: “We aim to cultivate a culture of helpfulness and thoughtfulness within our community.”
Eugene also emphasised a crucial point: “Homelessness isn’t merely a moral failure but a systemic issue with viable solutions. When encountering homeless individuals, it’s essential to challenge the system while showing kindness.”
Collaboration emerged as a key theme, with Damien Lim Yan Cheng, a Civil Engineering student, stressing the crucial role of joint efforts between the government and the community in effectively tackling homelessness. “While the government can provide affordable housing and social services, it’s the community’s active participation through outreach programmes and volunteer efforts that truly makes a difference,” Damien emphasised.
Participants distributing warm meals to the less fortunate homeless in Sri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur.
Reflecting on the experience, Wong Sook Ying, a Mass Communication student, spoke of the often-overlooked plight of the homeless: “They may have faced adversity or lost familial support, yet they remain deserving of our care and assistance. Every act of kindness is an embodiment of love.”
Beyond their direct aid, the STACT Club demonstrated their commitment to addressing multiple social issues by participating in the MySaveFood campaign from 17 to 23 March alongside Pemuda GEMA, SWCORP, MPS, and KPDN Sepang. This initiative, in addition to their ‘Rendering Service PLUS-Comfort in a Box’ project, rescued surplus food from bazaars and distributed it to various locations, including INTI hostels and mosques in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, preventing waste and ensuring access to nutritious meals for those in need.
STACT Club members embrace the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of others.
Participants collect surplus food from a Ramadan bazaar booth.
Looking ahead, Sook Ying proposed ongoing efforts to promote food sustainability through community cooking classes and workshops focused on creative leftover utilisation. “By teaching participants to transform leftover ingredients into delicious meals, we can reduce food waste,” she explained.
Damien echoed the sentiment, highlighting the significance of redirecting surplus fruits, vegetables, and prepared foods to local charities or food banks. “This ensures that edible food reaches those in need,” he said.
Another Mass Communication student, Lee Jia Ying, emphasised personal responsibility: “While everyone has their food preferences, it’s crucial to recognise the value of food and help reduce waste whenever possible.”
The work of the STACT Club reminds us that simple acts of kindness can have profound impacts. Efforts, big or small, make a positive difference in our communities.
Participants beaming after successfully collecting surplus food despite the scorching weather.
Passionate members of the STACT Club aim to foster a culture of helpfulness and thoughtfulness within the community.