KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians have flooded social media with the #benderaputih movement, calling those in need of food or essentials to raise a white flag outside their homes.
By doing so, it indicates the household needs assistance, allowing neighbours to render necessary aid to them.
"To those who are struggling and have no food, raise the white flag at your homes.
"Let the people around you help as much as they can.
"Please do not take actions that will break the hearts of your loved ones.
"No need to plead, no need to be embarrassed. Just fly the flag," wrote Twitter user @HafizolHakami at 9.08pm yesterday.
As of noon, his post has been retweeted by more than 15,000 users.
Social media users have described the 'rakyat self-initiative' #benderaputih movement as a brilliant initiative to assist those in need, without having them plead and get embarrassed to ask for help.
They also wrote words of support and expressed their willingness to extend help to the needy.
User @calistalieya said; "Another day, come on #Malaysian. Let's unite and care for each other.
"Start with our mental health, it's okay not to be okay. Let's raise our white flags, and we will help one another."
Another user @crawlernightt said: "This bendera putih campaign is so beautiful. Love to see how everyone is willing to help each other in times like this.
"After all, we (the society) only have each others back to rely on. May this campaign ease the burden of those in need. Let's help each other out."
User @Vanimaniam said; "A good movement to support each other during difficult times.
"Only thing is that it allows the government to keep on slacking since they know the people will take care of each other."
Currently, Malaysia is still in Phase One of Movement Control under the National Recovery Plan (NRP) and has been under total lockdown since June 1, with only essential economic and services sectors were allowed to operate.
Phase One, scheduled to end yesterday, has been extended as the number of Covid-19 cases in the country has not dipped below the threshold value of 4,000 required to move to the next phase.