IPOH: Caring Malaysians are rallying to help victims of the floods.
Pemuda Umno Perak, with telecommunication company Maxis and hypermarket Tesco Stores (M) Bhd started a convoy to send aid to victims at Parit and Kampung Gajah.
Its chief, Hairul Anwar Mohamed Noor, said some 50 volunteers were taking part in the convoy which was carrying RM25,000 worth of foodstuff.
“We are targetting the two areas as they are the worst-hit in the state,” he said, adding that the humanitarian aid would continue even after flood waters recede.
“Our volunteers will also be going to the ground to help victims clean their homes and villages,” he said, calling on organisations wanting to help to contact the wing.
Anwar was speaking to reporters before flagging off the convoy, which consisted of four lorries and four four-wheel-drive vehicles. The ceremony took place at Greentown Business Centre, here, recently.
The convoy was organised with the cooperation of Yayasan Bina Upaya Darul Ridzuan and the youth wing of Peoples Progressive Party (PPP). Perak PPP youth chief Mustafar Rahadi was also present.
Maxis said it was working hard to resume its services in flood-hit areas.
In a statement, the company said it would take some time as electricity to the affected areas had been cut off.
Maxis said it was using mobile transmitters to ensure that communication was not completely cut off.
“We are facing challenges to enter flood affected areas to service our generators,” it read, adding that last week, the company gave complimentary 100 minutes of calls and 100 free short messaging service (SMS) to subscribers to allow victims contact their loved ones.
“We are also distributing necessities to victims at SK Geting, Tumpat, Kelantan; SMK Muzaffar Shah, Lambor Kanan and Pusat Latihan Universiti Teknologi Mara Sungai Galah, Kampung Gajah,” it further stated.
The Welfare Organisation for Perak’s Elected Representatives Wives (Baiduri) is also having a collection for flood victims.
Its chairman, Datin Seri Saripah Zulkifli, said items needed included clothes, telekung, blankets and dried food.
The items, said Saripah, could be sent to the official residence of the menteri besar by Jan 11.
“We hope to alleviate the sufferings of fellow Malaysians affected by the floods,” she said.