By Nuradzimmah Daim

KUALA LUMPUR: The Pertubuhan Tindakan Wanita Islam (Pertiwi) Soup Kitchen programme is a blessing for Asmarani Ismail, 55, who has been living on the street for two months.

She ate a full breakfast served by Pertiwi volunteers from a van at the City Hall headquarters during the programme's launch.

Asmarani does have a shelter in the PT Foundation in Jalan Ipoh Kechil, but only till 6pm.

"I am on my own after that. I receive food and drink from those visiting the foundation but sometimes that is not enough," she said

The Pertiwi programme was launched by Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin.

Also present were City Hall director-general Datuk Salleh Yusop, Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur president Datuk Rizal Sardon and Pertiwi president Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Nik Safiah Karim.

Nik Safiah said the Pertiwi van will be stationed at specific spots four times a week in the evenings.

"At the moment, we are focused on areas like Chow Kit and Masjid India but we are also getting City Hall to identify other urban poor areas in need of the programme," he said.

He thanked Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur for its generous donation of a Nissan Vanette for the programme.

"We collected RM10,000 from individuals, which will be used to buy the food and drink," he said.