Here's how you can help those in need during COVID-19

COVID-19 and the movement control order (MCO) has been affecting our lives in many ways, which can be tough on our finances, social life and wellbeing. This is disproportionately impacted poorer households and disadvantaged groups during this time.

In March 2020, the government announced an economic stimulus package to help the rakyat cope financially during this pandemic. If you struggle to make ends meet, were forced to take unpaid leave or have lost your job as a result of COVID-19, we're help to help. We've written a blog about it, read more here.

Unfortunately, neglected groups such as the Orang Asli community, the homeless and refugees have mostly been unable to get help. They are just some examples of communities who have fallen out of the welfare safety net. All they have are charities and nonprofits to depend on during COVID-19.

How can I help?

If you are able to do so, a simple and effective way to support vulnerable groups during COVID-19 is to donate to the charities helping them.

Many charities are under-resourced and need all the money that can get from public donations to buy necessary supplies for the vulnerable.

Introducing BigPay Donations

We have joined forces with AirAsia Foundation to raise RM200,000 to provide food and basic necessities to the Orang Asli community, the homeless and refugees in Malaysia.

Earlier in April, we released our Donations feature, giving you the ease to donate to AirAsia Foundation directly. AirAsia Foundation is working directly with three frontline charities focusing on helping vulnerable groups affected by COVID-19:

• Perak State Park. Donations will be used to buy food supplies to the Orang Asli families in the Royal Belum National Park.

• SEED Foundation. They will help feed people without permanent shelter.

• Beyond Borders Malaysia. They will provide food and sanitary supplies to refugees in the Klang Valley.

So far, the BigPay community has generously donated close to RM30,000. Collectively with AirAsia Foundation, we have reached our RM100,000 mark. We need another RM100,000 by 30 April 2020 to reach our goal and we can get there with your help.

How do I donate?

Head over to your BigPay app and then go to your Payments tab. From there, tap on Donations. Enter how much you want to donate, confirm your payment and it's done. You will also receive a receipt for your donation once it is complete.

If you do not see the Donations tile in your Payments tab, that means you will need to update your BigPay app to the latest version to get it.

We do not charge any fees for donations and rest assured that 100% of the money goes directly to the charities.