EVERY tragedy or natural disaster in the country brings out the best in Malaysians. 

As Penang reels from the unprecedented flooding that wrecked havoc in the state over the weekend, scores of ordinary folk from all over the country have reached out to offer help.

Since Saturday’s tragedy, which claimed the lives of seven people and caused thousands to be displaced from their homes, Penang has seen an almost endless stream of volunteers and donated goods from other parts of the country.

Unattached to any group or organisation, many of these volunteers simply decided took time from daily lives and head over to Penang to meet the urgent need for manpower in search and relief efforts.

Ernest Ong, a restaurant owner from Kuala Lumpur, regularly shows up as a volunteer each time disaster hits.

“We are quite used to doing these things. We usually hand out food. Before this, I was involved in flood relief work in Temerloh, Pahang.

“This time, I brought my boat because I read that they may need boats. So I brought mine from Kuala Lumpur to help.”

Another volunteer, Abu Hassan, said humanitarian efforts should not be dependent on race, politics or religion.

“When we want to help, there is no question of all these, we don’t even think about the issue of race or background,” he said.

“What we see is this big tragedy, and people who need help. So, as a person who is able in terms of resources, I have come forward to help.”

Abu Hassan owns a large four-wheel-drive vehicle, which is useful in the water-logged terrain of flooded area.

“I have done this for a long time, and it is in line with my interest in four-wheel-drive pick-up trucks. And at the same time, I can do charity,” said the 55-year-old from Kulim, Kedah.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had said as much as 80% of the state has been affected by Saturday’s freak storm.

Putrajaya has the Home Ministry, armed forces, National Security Council and National Disaster Management Agency to assist in relief efforts in the state.

Selangor has donated RM1 million to aid relief and restoration works, and has also directed local agencies to assist in clean-up efforts.

Kelantan, under the PAS leadership, has given RM50,000 on top of sending volunteers to help the state government, while Johor has sent 200 volunteers.

As critics grumble and the debate over who to blame for the floods start, the thousands of volunteers like Ong and Abu Hassan are the quiet force behind the rescue and rebuilding efforts in Penang, and continue to focus on what’s really important.

“We are all Malaysians, and if you’re Malaysian and you’re in trouble, we will come to help,” said Ong.

“It’s no problem at all.” – November 7, 2017.