Marlina Yased Initiator of community fridge knows neighbours' struggles

At a void deck in the heart of Lengkok Bahru, one name can often be heard every evening as people gather there.

- Syarafana Shafeeq

"Kak Marlina," residents call out endearingly as they queue to collect free groceries, to ensure their families do not go hungry.

They are referring to Madam Marlina Yased, 46, whom they regard fondly and address as "elder sister" in Malay.

Madam Marlina started the community fridge initiative in May 2023 after hearing countless stories of her neighbours not having enough food to put on the table, particularly among families with school-going children.

Having experienced her own financial struggles after a divorce 15 years ago, the mother of five children empathised with their worries about feeding their children.

There were days when she could give only condensed milk mixed with water to her children, who are now aged between 10 and 27.

"Food insecurity is real here in Lengkok Bahru," she said about the estate of highly subsidised Housing Board rental flats. "There are many families that live from pay cheque to pay cheque, and sometimes they really don't have enough to last until the next payday. I know how it feels."