IN the spirit of #kitajagakita, Malaysians from all walks of life are offering their time and energy for flood relief efforts.

They told The Malaysian Insight the response to the disaster shows that during hard times, Malaysians can rely on people to help, regardless of race and religion.

Out-of-state volunteers, who came to the inundated Klang Valley, said they are merely repaying the kindness shown to them when their states were ravaged by floods.

Despite political rhetoric that has tried to sow discord among Malaysians, the volunteers said they do not and never will give the time of day to politicians set on spreading hatred.

Young people, rising to the occasion, are leading most of the flood relief efforts.

Mohd Fadir Hazmi, 42, a Kuala Krai Barracuda Adventure Team patron, said he mobilised 103 four-wheel drives and 10 lorries to bring supplies to Selangor yesterday.

He said Selangor folk had sent aid during floods in Kelantan in 2014.

“Seven years ago, it was not non-governmental organisations (NGO) that came to help, but Selangor residents. Now, it is our turn to repay the kindness though we are facing the monsoon season.”

Together with Info Dalam Kuala Krai, MotoCross Kuala Krai and NGO Task Force, Fadir and his team collected donations from people in the district.

“Our aim is to help victims who have suffered total loss. We have brought items such as blankets, clothes, mats and food. We will help all, regardless of race, religion or political ideology.”

Continuous heavy rain lashed large parts of the Klang Valley from last Friday to Sunday, causing devastating floods.

Other affected states are Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Malacca and Negri Sembilan, with waters reaching up to roof-level.

Malaysians mobilised to help flood-affected folk by coordinating rescue efforts and opening up their homes to shelter stranded victims.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s government has been criticised for its slow response in helping flood victims.

The disaster has claimed 41 lives, so far.

The MyManUtd Malaysia Fan Club also stepped up to the plate, with members handing out cash and electrical appliances to victims in Taman Sentosa, Klang, and Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam, Selangor; Jalan Kasipillay in Kuala Lumpur; and, Karak, Pahang.

Arul Prakash Balakrishnan, 39, who is leading the relief programme, said club president Suresh Yegambaram suggested the idea of helping flood-affected folk.
In 14 hours, the club collected RM6,500 to buy appliances such as rice cookers and provide a RM200 cash aid to those in affected areas.

Arul said: “This is (being done) in the spirit of solidarity. We help everyone regardless of race and religion. We have also bought a water jet to help in clean-up efforts in Sri Muda and Karak tomorrow.”

Club members are aged between 18 and 70, but the programme is being headed by those aged between 30 and 40.

Race and religion do not matter

Volunteers said race and religion are not an issue as they are helping fellow Malaysians.

Hulu Langat resident Maria, 30, helped her friend – a doctor at the local public health clinic – to raise funds as soon as news of the floods surfaced.

The social media manager took to her Instagram account to ask followers for donations to buy essential items for flood-affected folk.

Staying true to the #kitajagakita spirit, she said there is no point waiting for authorities to act.

“It reinforces the fact that at the end of the day, we have only each other; nobody else will help us.

“There is no hope for the government. We have the capacity to do it, so might as well do it.”

The donations have been distributed to the community and flood relief centres in Hulu Langat.

Ahmad Ashraf Abdul Aziz, 28, said he used his four-wheel drive to ferry essential items to flood victims in Shah Alam, as the vehicle is the only thing he can offer.

“Since I use my truck for off-road and river-crossing activities, why not use it to help others, right?”

Ashraf, who is not part of any organisation working on the ground, said politicians are all talk, but are nowhere to be seen when flood victims need help.

“Honestly, I do not trust politicians, and I never cared about what they do or say. They tend to talk more, but no action.

“From my experience on site since Saturday night, I can see that they do not help as fast as us (the volunteers). I saw people coming from all over the state to help,”

Ashraf said he helped an Indian family evacuate, including their dogs.

“They were surprised that I would help them and their dogs. For me, I do not see that as an issue. I know if I am in trouble, people from different races will help me out.”

Yap Chun Wei, 19, is another volunteer who showed up to help in Shah Alam.

The high school graduate said he woke up to news of the devastating floods on Sunday morning, adding that he decided to help out as he has the energy and time.

He said he joined volunteers who have access to boats to rescue people stranded in their houses as waters reached roofs in some areas.

“Many people sent me their address and relatives’ phone numbers, so we helped them. We go to their locations and rescue them.

“My aim is to help those in need. I do not care if they are Chinese, Indian, Malay or Sabahan. I just want to help Malaysia. I just want to do my part.”

Yap has been returning to the city every day since Sunday. Now that waters have receded, he is helping people clean out their homes, which are caked in mud.

Daniel Raj Singh Kler, 18, who has been volunteering at the Gurdwara Sahib Guru Nanak in Shah Alam, said he is just doing his part in helping feed those who have lost their homes in the flood.

“I do not care what the politicians say. In Sikhism, we should help everyone, not just our race. We are all humans.”

Commenting on those who have questioned whether the food cooked by the gurdwara is halal, he said it is a valid question and need not be turned into a controversy.

“If they are still not convinced, they can come and see for themselves and help out. Many of my Malay friends came and helped. They said the food is halal and the preparation is clean.”

The Sikh temples in Shah Alam and Petaling Jaya have been cooking up a storm to help feed thousands of displaced flood victims.

Malaysians have been thronging the gurdwara to help with flood relief work, including Muslims.

The food prepared is vegetarian, but questions have arised on whether it is halal. This prompted former religious affairs minister Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri to clarify that Muslims are allowed to consume food prepared in the temples. – December 26, 2021.