SINGAPORE: More residents in the North West District are asking its Community Development Council (CDC) for assistance to help with the rising costs of living.

The CDC said it has seen a 20 to 30 per cent increase in the number of residents seeking help, and it has been giving out more help to needy residents affected by the rising living costs.

North West District Mayor Teo Ho Pin said: "The residents are feeling the cost burden because of rising inflation... I think that all families - both rich and poor - are affected by this sudden increase in prices of a lot of food and commodities."

"We have been working with our VWOs (voluntary welfare organisations) to provide school pocket funds, financial assistance... food ration and food vouchers. There is definitely a need to make some adjustments... to be more aware of the prices of food items," he added.

Dr Teo urged residents to capitalise on the information given by the Consumers Association of Singapore recently on where to find the cheapest food items.

The CDC has also partnered with a restaurant chain to help raise S$30,000 for its food ration programme.

Residents can also tap on the social assistance schemes under the ComCare Programme.

Besides, Dr Teo said efforts have been put in to help unemployed residents find jobs.

"Finding jobs is key in terms of providing a sustainable solution to help them be self-reliant," he said after launching the Brisk Walk-Qigong Corners across the district, together with Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan.

North West CDC already has about 30,000 members in its brisk walking programme, which was started in 1999. It now plans to increase that number to 50,000 by March next year, to encourage more people to lead a healthy lifestyle.

The CDC has also expanded the brisk walking programme to include qigong, and there are now 26 Brisk Walk-Qigong Corners in the district.

Alice Ho, chairman of Qigong Shi Ba Shi Association (Singapore), said: "Practising qigong actually can relax your body, calm your mind and build up your body energy." - CNA/ac