MALAYSIA suffered the worst flood disaster in history during 2021-2022.

There were about 85,000 people affected, and some 21,000 families lost their homes and personal belongings.

The response to requests for assistance and aid was immediate and overwhelming.

People from all walks of life stood up and contributed to the flood victims.

Among those who responded were the students of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM), who had initiated several inspiring activities, carried out from January-April, to raise funds and provide assistance to those who suffered from these floods.

The students, under the EmPower Programme of HWUM, organised a cycling event around Malaysia’s popular iconic spot, Putrajaya Lake, a 650ha man-made lake.

The purpose of the event was to raise awareness for the public to support a crowdfunding effort for the flood casualties.

To organise the event, the organiser complied with all the standard operating procedures set by the government such as physical distancing, only accepting fully vaccinated participants and so on.

Extensive publicity was made via social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

The event began on the morning of February 12 where over 20 participants cycled 14.8km around the lake, enjoying the fresh air and witnessing the astounding panoramic views of the sunrise, beautifully planned gardens, palm trees, colourful mural paintings on the walls, the iconic Putrajaya bridge and magnificent government buildings around Putrajaya.

There was also, of course, the health benefit of physical exercise.

Upon the completion of the event, they gave positive feedback, saying that cycling around Putrajaya Lake was not only adventurous but also filled with fun.

One of participants also said this challenge was one of the most memorable experiences of his life.

As well as the event, there were other activities organised by the students in support of the cause. These were:

1)  Recycling campaign – The students and staff had collected around 26kg of recyclable materials, which were sent to the Putrajaya Community Recycling Centre at Presint 9, to be sold, and proceeds were channelled towards aid for the flood victims.

2)   Charity sales during Fiesta O-Rama celebration – Two booths were set up. Booth 1 was called Sweet Memories and sold Malaysian candies and ice-cream. Booth 2 was called Draw for Solidarity, where donors gathered at an art station and were given a blank canvas and markers to write their inspiring messages dedicated to the flood victims.

3) Donation of second-hand items – Students collected second-hand items such as watches, clocks, handphones, small fans, small table lamps, small refrigerators and so on and these items were delivered directly to the flood victims in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam, which was the worst affected area in the country.

The target was to raise RM10,000. However, due to the overwhelming support by HWUM students and staff, the fund exceeded the target and raised RM12,057.

Nelson Mandela is recorded as saying, “The students of today are the leaders of tomorrow”. The fundraising event helped empower HWUM students to become worthy individuals who will make society a better place and become tomorrow’s leaders.

Working for a good cause, the students learnt to plan and organise events for fundraising with the guidance of their lecturers.

As a person who had been personally involved in these events and campaigns, I sincerely thank all of the donors, HWUM students and staff, for their generosity in contributing to this good cause.

Finally, my appreciation also to Prof Mushtak Al-Atabi and Prof Dennis Wong, the provost and deputy provost of HWUM respectively, for leading and showing the way. – May 28, 2022.

* Lee J. Peter reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.