MERCY Malaysia's flood relief in Johor are now into its seventh day. Having provided medical and humanitarian aid to approximately 9,000 people in more than 10 flood-hits area in the state, MERCY Malaysia is now appealing to the public for donation to continue its efforts.
Since 19th December 2006, MERCY Malaysian has deployed 78 of its volunteers of which 15 are with medical expertise. 32 of its non-medical volunteers are members from the PETRONAS Adventure Team and together they have assisted in distributing hygiene kits including relief items such as mats, blankets, drinking water and milk products. A total of RM 140,000 has been utilised for the relief efforts.
"While we are continuing with our relief efforts, we need to look at providing sustainable aid for the recovery phase. The distribution is important at this emergency phase but we must also look into providing sustainable clean water supply. Our team of water experts have begun to drill a well in one of the evacuation centres. We have also distributed water purification tablets and water purification systems at the evacuation centres. We are also planning to develop community based disaster management programmes and hazard mapping with communities in the vulnerable areas as part of our total disaster management risk management approach. This is to provide edication, information to communities which is important in ensuring preparedness and disaster mitigation," Datuk Dr Jemilah Mahmood, President of MERCY Malaysia.
The first team to respond from MERCY Malaysia was its Johor chapter that mobilised a team and assisted communities in the Johor Bahry vicinity. Three days later, on 22nd December 2006, two relief teams from MERCY Malaysia headquarters were deployed, headed by Datuk Dr Jemilah.
Regoins that received assistance included Johor Bahru, Kota Tinggi, Segamat, Lenga, Sungai Telor, Muar district, Bukit Gambir, Bukit Kepong, Gombang and Batu Pahat.
Together with our partner PETRONAS and the PETRONAS Adventure Team, we deployed our medical teams and distributed relief items in areas where the flood waters have not receded.
MERCY Malaysia was also able to distribute relief and medical supplies to appoximately 200 people in Sungai Telor using boats and trucks from Angkatan Tentera Malaysia.
MERCY Malaysia was also able to fly in medical teams into Kampung Tui, Lenga to deliver medical assistance. This helicopter lift assistance was made possible by PLUS Expressway Helicopters, as part of logistic support efforts provided by UEM Group and Khazanah Nasional. Apart from the helicopter assistance, lorries were also provided, courtesy of Gapima Sdn Bhd, another logistic company of UEM Group and Khazanah Nasional, to ensure that the distribution of relief items and food supplies were deliverd to the beneficiaries.
Additionally, MERCY Malaysia deployed its technical team to Pagh at the Kompleks Sukan Pagoh to provide sustainable water supply through drilling of a well to circumvate the water shortage in the centre and surrounding areas. An approximately 1,500 people will benefit from this water source. Soil boring rigs was provided by UEM Group and Khazanah Nasional to assist the drilling of the water well.s
MERCY Malaysia will be deploying its Mental Health Support team into the state over the weekend to conduct therapy programmes for the children as part of its psychosocial support to the affected communities.
In terms of monetary contribution, MERCY Malaysia as to date received USD 30,000 from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and RM 30,000 from Nanyang Foundation. However, more assistance is needed to enable the continuation of MERCY Malaysia's effort. Therefore, MERCY Malaysia is appealing to the public to help fund its effort in assisting our fellow citizens in the south by contributing through MERCY Malaysia. Donations received will ensure the procurement of relief items and medical supplies and to provide sustainable aid to the affected communities.