PETALING JAYA: Following the floods that displaced thousands of Malaysians over the weekend, both the Crisis Relief Squad of MCA (CRSM) and the party machinery have been on the ground helping in flood-hit areas nationwide.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said volunteers under CRSM, which comprised party members, had been tasked to provide 24-hour aid to flood victims.
“All kinds of assistance is being provided, including ensuring sufficient essential needs as well as the flood victims’ safety and well-being.
“Volunteers have also come out with additional boats to bolster the government agencies’ response.
“Most victims affected by the floods have been given help and moved to various nearby temporary relief centres,” said Dr Wee in a statement yesterday.
He also advised all CRSM volunteers to take care of their own safety during the relief efforts and to adhere to the Health Ministry’s Covid-19 standard operating procedure when helping flood victims.
“I applaud all our CRSM members and pray for the safety of all affected,” he added.
Both CRSM and the GoCare charity crowdfunding platform have also launched the GoCare Monsoon Flood Relief Fundraising Campaign.
GoCare manager Xilas Ngang said while there was an immediate need for supplies such as food, medicines and clothes, the flood victims would need aid as well to rebuild their lives as the continuous torrential rains over the weekend had destroyed many homes.
“We are collecting donations and raising money to help the victims rebuild their lives.
“Besides helping those displaced by providing them with food and emergency aid, there is a need to remember that they will also need assistance cleaning and rebuilding after the floods have receded.
“It is a critical time for the victims as they will need financial aid to rebuild their homes and buy furniture and mattresses.
“So this is what we are trying to achieve through the fundraising campaign, which will run into January,” said Ngang in an interview yesterday.
He said besides cash donations, essential items were also welcome, adding that those who wished to contribute could do so by visiting any MCA office or the central unit operations at Wisma MCA here.
He said since floods in Malaysia were common during the annual monsoon season between October and March, particularly on the east coast, there was a need to be prepared for more flood relief efforts.
Since Friday, CRSM had activated over 200 members to mobilise efforts in various states such as Melaka and Pahang to provide food and aid in rescue missions, he said.
“Due to limited access to the area, relief efforts have been challenging as many major highways and roads have been blocked and there are victims trapped in their houses with no food.
“We have been working with other volunteers and the authorities to send food to flood victims in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam.
“We have also deployed five boats to rescue trapped victims.
“At times like this, it is all the more important to support relief efforts and do all we can to help others,” said Ngang.
For more information on the fundraising campaign, visit the GoCare website at gocare.org.my or contact the donation hotline at 03-2203 3979 or 019-669 7275.