JOHOR BARU: TWO non-governmental organisations (NGO) recently held donation drives to collect essential items for flood victims in the country.
One group, known as Bersatu Demi Johor, comprised of six social media groups — Brotherhood Johor, Setia Johor, Buletin Bola Johor, Johor Media Social, JDT Boutique and Berita Bola Johor — collected essential items to be given to flood victims in Kelantan and Terengganu.
The group’s spokesman, Mohamad Shahreen Mohd Nasir, said many had donated essential items at their booth in Iskandar Malaysia Information Centre at Danga Bay.
“I am touched that Malaysians are very generous when it comes to helping those in need,” he said.
Shahreen also thanked Iskandar Regional Development Authority for providing the venue for donors to drop off their contributions.
Among the items collected were rice, cooking oil, flour, toiletries, clothing and cartons of drinking water.
“The items collected will be sent to the Welfare Department office for distribution.”
College student Liyana Abdul Rahman, 23, came with her family to deliver blankets, baby diapers and other items.
“I have a friend in Kota Baru and she told me that they are in dire need of these items.
“It’s heartbreaking to know that they are living without electricity and clean water. I hope this aid will reach them quickly,” she said.
Another NGO, Rakan Kembara Malaysia-Johor has opened up a tent near the Bandar Baru Uda Mydin Hypermart to allow donors to drop off essential items.
Its president Azli Suhaimy Abdullah said the group would be sending the items to flood victims using six four-wheel drive vehicles.
“We have divided the aid to be distributed to flood victims in Johor and Terengganu,” he said.
Azli Suhaimy said the donation drive would continue until Wednesday, between 10am to 9pm daily, and urged donors to contribute blankets, canned food, towels and dry food.
Johor Baru City Council whip chief Datuk Yahya Jaafar commended the efforts taken by the NGOs.
“We welcome such effort from the youngsters and I hope more Johoreans will join the initiative,” he said.