In one of the worst floods Malaysia has seen in decades, thousands have been displaced from their homes after a weekend of torrential rain that wrecked flash floods on the west coast states of Malaysia with Shah Alam and Klang being the hardest hit. On Sunday, 19 December 2021, the International Medical University (IMU) through its IMU Cares programme had quickly responded to this devastating flood by urgently organising essential items to support the flood victims. Essential items were packed for the families included amongst others bread, biscuits, rice, towels, sanitary pads, toothbrushes, toothpastes and more. These were distributed to approximately 300 families (over a thousand individuals). The items for the communities worth over RM23,000 were provided by the IMU Humanitarian Aid Fund. In addition, more items poured in from all corners of the university, donated generously by staff and students as well as from IMU Healthcare.
Almost overnight, IMU staff and student volunteers had gathered to lend their helping hands in sorting and packing the essential items. It is extremely heart-warming to see IMU staff and students come together so quickly and staying beyond hours, for this urgent cause.
One of the student’s parent had also joined the volunteers in the mammoth task of packing. She commended IMU’s initiative on extending help to the communities affected by the flood, “….it’s good, it’s really good! They are doing a good job to help these victims”.
Working together with Red Crescent Malaysia, OKU Sentral (an NGO that have the access and provide support to all including non-OKU, led by YB Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi), MERCY Malaysia as well as local authorities such as Bomba (the Fire Department of Malaysia), these items were delivered to the needful communities affected by the floods. The packed items were airlifted by the Bomba helicopter to the communities where road access was not available.
We hope that the aid will provide some relief to the communities in need and we pray that the situation continues to improve. Through this disaster, we have undoubtedly witnessed humanity at its best! Video: https://web.facebook.com/imucares/videos/401021898430346
Written by Dr Leong Hui Yen, Community Engagement
