KUALA LUMPUR When the floods struck Selangor on Dec 18 last year, Rozeeta Abdul Manan's Setia Alam home was almost affected by the rising waters.
But the 36-year-old, who runs the OG Street Kitchen food stall, counted herself lucky as unlike many of her neighbours, her house was spared.
However, she and her husband wasted no time in opening their home to other flood victims.
"I took to social media about opening my house to shelter stranded victims, with priority to those with babies, and four people responded. They were staff of a retail store in Setia City Mall, and they couldn't go home as the roads were closed and flooded," she said.
However, she felt she could do even more, and on the third day of the floods, she and her friends pooled resources to cook for the flood victims.
They dubbed their initiative the "Rewang" project, after the Malay practice of communal cooking in villages.
"My friends collected money and gave it to me for cooking supplies and other necessities for the flood victims," she said.
She initially began cooking at the Dapur Embun restaurant in Setia Alam, owned by a friend. In the first few days, they prepared about 1,000 food packs daily.
"We were aided by the 'Mat Hantar' dispatch team, which provided three of their four-wheel drive vehicles."
Soon, their efforts gained prominence on social media and more people volunteered to help.
Rozeeta said when the floodwaters receded in the area, she moved the Rewang Project from Setia Alam to The Port food court in Damansara Utama, where scores of people volunteered to cook meals for flood victims.
The group is still cooking for flood victims.
Their efforts also gained the attention of companies, which engaged Rozeeta to distribute aid to the flood victims.
"I was entrusted to cook. However, many companies donated funds for food supplies and necessities, such as mineral water, dry food, Covid-19 self-test kits, telekung (Muslim female prayer attire), hygiene kits and others," she said.
She said she was touched by the sense of togetherness of the volunteers, who sacrificed time and effort to help others.
"It was a very moving experience, seeing all these people give up their comfort to keep the flood victims safe.
"I've experienced hunger, and I couldn't stop thinking about the flood victims since the first day, especially the kids."
Rozeeta said they would continue as long as they could.
Awana Suhaimi, 32, mobilised Neno Healthcare to provide medical assistance to victims.
Awana, who is the chief executive officer of the mobile healthcare social enterprise, said she collaborated with a few non-governmental organisations and private entities.
She said the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (Shah Alam division) called her on Dec 19 for help, and she based Neno Healthcare at a field clinic in the SK Alam Megah 3 and 2 relief centres.
"The relief centres closed after 10 days. Neno then deployed to three other affected areas: Taman Sri Nanding in Hulu Langat, Labohan Dagang and Kampung Orang Asli Tadom in Banting.
"We are still operating at these locations, in collaboration with the Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA) Selangor division. Neno worked as a resource coordinator, crowdfunding and support system, while MRA Selangor provided medical services."
Among the services provided are health assessments, medical treatment and Covid-19 tests.
Awana said Neno Healthcare also collaborated with Hava Optique, an optometrist in Cyberjaya, and Avis Car Rental.
"Avis ferried the flood victims to Hava Optique, where the victims would get free eye-checks and free spectacles.
"Seventy flood victims — from kids to the elderly — got new spectacles. Seeing their smiles after the checks and getting free spectacles was priceless."
She said the floods brought Malaysians together to help.
"During the floods, the spirit to help fellow Malaysians in need crossed all boundaries and that's what we should continue to be known for," she said.