THE Bangsa Malaysia Project managed to raise more than RM100,000 through its online marathon Livestream Derma Kilat Raykat (LDKR) for non-profit groups providing aid to Malaysians adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Event co-ordinator Amirul Ikman Azman said the RM106,694 collection today was not the final total as the programme was still ongoing, adding that it had not yet been decided when the programme would end.

“However, we are very proud of today’s achievements. This is a good initiative and has shown the solitary and unity Malaysians have,” he said.

“It also opens people’s eyes to see that they hold the power to make change, they determine the future of the country.”

LDKR – which featured popular local artists, athletes and activists – was launched today and broadcast live on for six hours starting from 11am.

Among those featured were local band Altimet, actors Bront Palarae and Naim Daniel, comedian Douglas Lim, as well as national sports athletes, business figures, activists, and community mobilisers.

Proceeds will be distributed to non-profit groups reaching the needy affected by the pandemic.

Amirul said the idea for the event came about after Projek Bangsa Malaysia and think-tank Ideas Malaysia collaborated on a hospital fundraising project.

Projek Bangsa Malaysia learned about the hardships of front-liners and strain the pandemic was putting on the country’s healthcare system

“All this happened at the same time as the white flag campaign on social media, and we thought it is time to do something, to raise help for those in need,” he said.

The white flag campaign began on social media urging those needing food and aid to hang a white flag outside their homes, and to those who could afford to, to respond by giving aid.

Since it began more than a week ago, a mobile phone app and website have been created to enable people to post digital white flags instead, for others to respond to. – July 17, 2021.