Singapore rice distributed to needy

SURABAYA: Almost all of the 500 metric tons of rice aid from Singapore to the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muslim organization has been distributed to the needy in East Java, Antara said on Thursday.

H.M. Bz. Masyhudi Muchtar of the local chapter of NU said that out of 43 branches of the organization, 36 has received and distributed the rice to members of their communities.

Branches in Banyuwangi, Batu in Malang, Bangkalan, Sampang, Pamekasan, Sumenep and Masalembo Island have not picked up the aid due to difficulties in finding transportation and workers, he said.

Singapore has also chosen the Muhammadiyah Muslim organization to deliver its rice aid to the needy in packages of 30 kilograms with neat lettering that says "From government and people of Singapore."

The remaining 57 tons of rice that is yet to be distributed is now being stored at the organization's warehouse in Surabaya.