CELEBRITY preacher and philanthropist Ebit Lew today began his 10-day rescue mission to four districts on Sabah’s east coast whose residents are in need of urgent aid.

The founder of Pertubuhan Kasih Umat Malaysia (PKUM) said in a series of Facebook and Instagram posts that the mission carried 1,000 food packs, 100 wheelchairs, 75,000 masks and 200 multimedia tablets for students.

The entrepreneur flew to Tawau from the national capital this morning and will be headed straight to Lahad Datu for his first programme with policemen at the district police headquarters there in the evening.

Sabah PKUM volunteer head Mohamad Ikhsan Helzy Sutarso said the group will head to Kunak on Saturday before going to Semporna to engage with communities there before heading back to Tawau.

He was not able to provide a breakdown of recipients as volunteers are still updating the list but said they are scheduled to visit four villages in Lahad Datu and the district hospital there.

“As for the gadgets for students to use for online learning, we had sought the help of school administrators and teachers to identify those who really need them for PdPR (home-based learning).

“Since the school session has started, they (schools) would be able to determine which students face difficulties,” Ikhsan said, adding that the breakdown of figures will be discussed tonight during their briefing.

Ebit’s rescue mission was given a special flight rate by Malaysia Airlines, which he thanked in a social media post.

The airline in a statement said it was pleased to do its part in supporting Ebit in bringing humanitarian aid to the less fortunate.

“MAS flew the group of 18 volunteers from Pertubuhan Kasih Umat Malaysia, a non-profit organisation under Ebit Lew’s patronage, via two flights to Tawau, Sabah. The group will be distributing electronic tablets, wheelchairs, medical equipment and food items to families and frontline members in rural areas.”

Its group chief executive officer Capt Izham Ismail and group chief operating officer Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi sent off the entourage travelling on Malaysia Airlines’ flight MH2660 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport today.

“The challenges faced by the community due to the prolonged pandemic have never been more serious and as the national carrier of the country, we are always ready to play our part in transporting aid in support of various humanitarian missions,” said Izham.

“We are humbled by the continuous support given to Malaysia Airlines, especially during this most challenging time, which demonstrates the passenger’s confidence in our services and our promise of the best of Malaysian Hospitality throughout their journey,” he added. – January 28, 2021.