SHAH ALAM, Aug 19 — The first 300 people who visited the Delima Food Court in Section 24 yesterday got to enjoy free meals under the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) Free Meal Programme 2026.
Held in conjunction with the 69th National Day celebrations, the programme offered each recipient a RM10 voucher in collaboration with food and beverage traders at the food court.
MBSA community development director Shahrin Ahmad said the initiative was aimed at easing the burden on lower-income groups within the council's administrative area, including industrial workers, civil servants and students at higher education institutions.
He said the programme was held three times a year, with the first instalment taking place in Section 28 and the second at the Delima Food Court in Section 24.
The third is proposed to be held in the northern part of the MBSA administrative area in October, in conjunction with the council's 28th anniversary.
Shahrin said each instalment involved an estimated allocation of RM3,000 and was open to the first 300 recipients, with RM10 provided per person.
“This programme not only gives residents the opportunity to enjoy free meals, but also helps generate income for food stalls within the MBSA area.
“During this independence month, we want to share the joy, prosperity, wealth and what we have in the MBSA area with the local community,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zamzalina Razali, 49, from Section 24, said she learnt about the programme through a local community WhatsApp group.
“I often eat here because the prices are affordable. This programme is very beneficial because we get free food from MBSA, and I hope it can be continued,” she said.
Another visitor, Siti Aisyah Ismail, 43, who attended with her children, said the programme helped her save money while strengthening ties between the organisers and the community.
“I managed to save money today and didn't have to cook. The children could go straight to school after eating. It was exciting to get a free meal, and we were really looking forward to today after finding out about the programme.
“This programme can strengthen ties between the organisers and the community,” she said.
Mohd Ihsan Razli, 27, said he would usually spend RM15 on lunch but was able to save the money through the programme.
“It should be continued so that everyone can benefit from the generosity being shared,” he said.
