Groups reach out to flood victims, appeal public for help

A volunteer from Pertubuhan Belia Sinar Kasih Petaling arranges stacks of goods to be distributed to flood victims. – December 25, 2014.

When the flood situation in the East Coast states worsened, Mohd Ridzuan approached traders and wet market associations, asking if they could donate goods and cash to help victims.

Less than 48 hours later, he had gathered five tonnes of essential goods worth some RM20,000 for victims in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang.

“They have no qualms in helping. The first person I called was a sundry shop owner. He pledged 50 sacks of rice, then a representative of an association of wholesale market in Kuala Lumpur who said it would donate cash which can be used to buy other essential items for the victims,” said Ridzuan, who heads Ikhlas, a non-governmental organisation representing Malay traders and small businesses in the city.

He said the goods and cash came from people of all walks of life, and not just Malays.

“Some of the Malay traders I approached at first wanted to donate but at the last minute backed out as they felt silly to make small donation. I would like to tell them this, that even if they only can afford to donate two sacks of rice or only a box of mineral water, I will accept.

"No matter how small your contribution is, I really appreciate it,” said Ridzuan.

The businessman said Ikhlas, which does not depend on the government for its relief missions, had last year helped flood victims in Pahang, which affected more than 21,000 families.

“We managed to come up with 20 tonnes of essential goods, food, back-to-school kits for the children as well as other types of relief worth about RM100,000 on our own for victims in Pahang, without any financial support from government,” Ridzuan added.

He urged other organisations operating under government grants to come forward and help the flood victims.

“It is our responsibility to help. If all the NGOs come out and do this together, we will be able to do more for the victims,” he said.

Some of the goods which are ready to be sent to flood affected areas in the east coast states. – December 25, 2014.This time around, Ridzuan said Ikhlas is targetting 100 tonnes of goods for the flood victims.

"We are now mobilising our state representatives to gather as many contribution as they can. We will also write to corporate companies for contribution for the relief efforts," said Ridzuan.

Ridzuan said some RM50,000 has been pledged so far, which will be used to pay for all travel and transportation costs for the goods and for volunteers.

“We need more as we also plan to send not only food but also other goods such as clothing, blankets, pillows, mosquito repellent and so on,” said Ridzuan.

He said his group will raise funds through the sale of its 2015 calendar, which starts after Friday prayers tomorrow at Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur.

“It does not cost much, just RM3 for a calendar and the money will be used to send aid to the flood victims.

"We are not going to give the victims cash. We prefer to give them items that they can use instead of cash,” he added.

Ridzuan said his men will move in with the goods once the situation gets better and the road is accessible.

“We would like to go and deliver the goods right to the victims' doorstep. We want to make sure the items reach the people. The help will go to everyone, never mind which party they support.

"We do not discriminate. Everyone is affected not just supporters of Umno or Pakatan Rakyat,” said Ridzuan.

Ikhlas is one of the few NGOs which are actively involved in collecting funds from the public to help the flood victims in the East Coast.

Others are Pertubuhan Belia Sinar Kasih Petaling, which has been collecting items such as blankets, clothes, gas cookers and drinking water since yesterday.

The group's coordinator, Mohd Hafiizh Mohd Mokhtar, said the public can donate cash or goods at its drop point at the Petaling Jaya Multi Purpose Hall in Bandar Utama 3 (BU3).

“We started yesterday and received overwhelming response from the public. All items are collected and kept in the hall. Those who would like to drop their contribution can do so daily from 6pm to midnight,” said Hafiizh.

He said the group will make its first trip on Saturday with loads of goods, followed by another trip early next month.

“We do not know how many lorries we will use to carry the goods to the target area but we plan to get the items there on Saturday.

"We will hand the goods to the army to distribute among the victims as the area, I am sure, is not accessible to outsiders at the moment,” Hafiizh added.

Besides his group, Hafiizh said there were seven other organisations which have agreed to work with them in the relief efforts.
 
Those who wish to donate may do so at its drop point at Bandar Utama 3 or through its Bank Islam account no: 12140010005892, under the name of Pertubuhan Belia Sinar Kasih Petaling.

Meanwhile, a students group Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (Usim) has also started to mobilise relief efforts to help the flood victims.

Donations can be made by contacting the group's representative, Waliuddin at tel: 014-5038534 or Baihaqi at tel: 010-9077501.

- TMI