KANGAR: The Media Prima-New Straits Times Press (NSTP) Volunteer Brigade brought cheers to 1,034 flood victims in Perlis today.
The volunteers distributed aid comprising of dry food, basic necessities and cleaning equipment to the victims, who were evacuated to relief centres around the state after their homes were flooded two weeks ago.
The goods were from public donations to NSTP-Media Prima Disaster Fund, while the post-flood aid mission today was organised in collaboration with GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd, the operator of Giant Hypermart chain.
The brigade's spokesperson Shukor Othman said the aid were given to 551 flood evacuees who were evacuated to SK Bintong flood relief centre and another 483 victims who were relocated to SK Panggau.
He said the victims were selected based on the list provided by the state's Welfare Department.
"It is hoped that the aid will help ease the victims' burden, after their furniture and belongings were damaged in the flood.
"We collaborated with Perlis Giant Hypermarket, which generously provided discount for this humanitarian mission and assisted us in transporting the items," he said.
Also present were state executive councillors Rela Ahmad and Ahmad Bakri Ali.
The team of five volunteers will distribute the post-flood aid to 533 victims in Kubang Pasu, Kedah later today.
Meanwhile, one of the recipients Dahalan Talib, 56, who lives with his 82-year-old mother Zainab Ahmad, expressed his gratitude to the volunteers and well wishers who donated to the media conglomerate's disaster fund.
Living from hand to mouth on a RM150 monthly allowance from the state Welfare Department, Dahalan said he truly appreciated the aid.
"I could no longer work due to heart ailment and we are fully dependent on the monthly aid from the department.
"We suffered losses when our house in Wang Ulu was inundated by knee-deep water during the flood and this aid essential items will help to cover our needs for up to two weeks," he said.
He said this was the second post-flood aid they received after the Perlis state government while at the flood relief centre.