Two aid organisations get RM600,000

KUALA LUMPUR: Two non-profit aid organisations involved in post-flood relief efforts in affected east coast states received an additional RM600,000 in funds from government affiliated bodies today.
MERCY Malaysia received RM400,000 from Tan Sri Muhyiddin Gold Club Foundation (TSM GC) and its members while Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa (YSS) received RM200,000 from DRB-Hicom.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin handed over the contributions to them at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC), Bukit Kiara, here.
MERCY Malaysia regional director Norazam Ab Samah said relief efforts are now in the recovery and rebuilding phase will soon enter the mitigation and rehabilitation stage.
He said one of the most important factors in the first phase of the flood relief is to find a place for the victims to stay so they can resume their daily chores.
"The floods did not just submerge buildings, it also carried away money and resulted in total losses for many families. Looking to how to assist victims from this aspect will be our priority," he told a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club yesterday.
Norazam said now that the emergency phase is over, food is no longer the most needed for victims but essential items such as cups, bowls, kitchenware, and blankets.
Another important aspect that needs looking into, he said, is access to clean water and improving hygiene in the victims houses.
YSS chairman Datuk Zuraidah Atan said thousands of student volunteers from both public and private institutions of higher learning were mobilised to help clean up schools in Kelantan and Pahang so that classes can resume.
She added students also provide counselling services while YSS is looking into how they can assist teachers and other school staff get things in order for classes to commence..
TSM CG president Tan Sri Mohd Effendi Norwawi said MERCY and YSS were chosen as collaborative partners so that they can professionally get the funds channelled to the places where its needed.
"They have been on the ground, working to overcome insurmountable challenges to alleviate the sufferings of flood victims," Mohd Effendi said.