GEORGE TOWN: THE Penang government has opened donation centres across the state to collect aid for flood relief centres, especially in Perak.
The state is receiving donations in the form of essential items, mainly bottled water, milk powder and sanitary pads.
These items are urgently needed for about 2,000 people from 500 families who have been displaced by floods in Perak.
The welfare department’s workers are also on standby in the south Seberang Prai district in anticipation of possible floodwaters coming in through southern Kedah and upper Perak.
State Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said Penang has so far packed some 10,000 recycled clothes to be distributed to the flood victims.
He added the state executive council will convene an emergency meeting soon to discuss other aid options.
“I will propose an emergency funding of RM1.5 million to be put on standby.
“If the state executive council approves it, we will stock up on foodstuff which will be later distributed to those affected by the floods,” he said.
Phee added that Penang had to shelve plans to send aid to the east coast states as most parts were inaccessible.
“We have contacted the flood relief centres there and they have advised us not to go as most major roads were closed.
“So, the closest we can go is Perak.
“Our neighbours were the first to give us a wish-list of items needed,” he said.
To assist the relief centres in Perak, some 50 aid workers are ready to help with logistics and administrative work there.
“These workers will complement existing workers there, helping senior citizens, women and young children who are cooped up in unfamiliar surroundings,” he said.
Those interested to donate items can head to the Caring Society Complex at Jalan Utama, here, or the state’s respective district-level welfare department’s offices. Alternatively one can call the Penang Welfare Department at 04-650 5259.
The public can also channel their donations to the state’s respective district welfare department offices at Kompleks Pasar Awam MPPP (Balik Pulau); Wisma Persekutuan, Jalan Bertam (Kepala Batas); 2nd floor, Wisma Hock Teik, No. 1778, Jalan Ciku (Bukit Mertajam); and 1st floor, Block B, Kompleks Jabatan Kerajaan, Sungai Jawi (Jawi).
Meanwhile, Kedah folk who wish to contribute can do so at the Urban Transformation Centre in Alor Star.
State secretary Datuk Mohd Puat Mohd Ali recently said the state government welcomed contributions of food and drinks, blankets, pillows, mattresses, disposable diapers and clothing.
He said well-wishers could send the items to the collection centre between 8.30am and 10pm at Level 5 of the UTC building in Jalan Kolam Air.
For details, call Bohari Yusof at 019-477 0995, Azizah Hamid 019-477 3726, Zamzama Mohd 019-541 5400, Afizuddin Saad 019-442 4116 or Nurul Zaki 019-405-5824