ELECTRICIAN Tan Ngee Hong, 43, received a little relief this month in the form of free rice, biscuits and other groceries.

Yesterday, grassroots leaders of Pasir Ris West Citizens' Consultative Committee (CCC), led by Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean, distributed the hampers of staples, each worth between $80 and $100, to help its needy residents cope with inflation and increasing food prices.

About 120 residents have applied for assistance under the Spices in Life - Foodstuff Distribution to Needy Residents programme, said Pasir Ris Elias Community Club chairman Simon Tan.