‘Sayang Squad open to all’

2009/11/22

BENTONG: Wanita Umno is opening up participation in its Sayang Squad to everyone, including men, to help the movement carry out its welfare and voluntary wo r k .

Wanita head Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said that although the squadwas under its patronage, everyone was welcome to join it.

“Anybody can take part in the Sayang Squad, although it is under Wanita Umno.

“Our charity work transcends political ideologies,” she said after attending the squad’s “Fostering ties with the public” event at the Janda Baik community hall here yest e r d ay.

Shahrizat who is women, family and community development minister, handed out blankets and schoolbags to 158 residents of Kampung Janda Baik.

She said the squad, which was established recently in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s wish to see an increase in voluntary and charity work, had received overwhelming response.

Through the Sayang Squad, which, at present, has 19 branches, the spirit of volunteerism can be revived as part of Malaysian culture, she said.

“The squad is not focused on any specific disaster but we have programmes every week where we will work with the poor, sick and n e e d y.

“Anyone in need of help can contact the Sayang Squad at any time.” The squad under Wanita Umno’s sayang project, which involves welfare, volunteer and humanitarian projects, was launched by the prime minister’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, on Oct 13. — Ber nama