Malaysians Rally Online To Aid Flood Victims In Sabah With Donations Supplies

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A child stands in floodwaters during heavy rain in Kampung Ketiau, Putatan on Sept 15. - NSTP/MOHD ADAM ARININKUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are coming together to show solidarity for flood-hit Sabah, as humanitarian groups, religious bodies and members of the public rally on social media to support families displaced by rising waters and landslides.
The Malaysian Red Crescent Society Sabah is spearheading a humanitarian mission, calling for a long list of contributions, ranging from rice, canned food and baby formula to blankets, power banks and mosquito repellent.
"We welcome all forms of aid to support those in need," the branch said in a post on Facebook.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Sabah branch is also conducting a similar donation drive, preferring donations in kind for mattresses, pillows, dry food and cleaning tools, while also accepting cash contributions.
Sacred Heart Cathedral in Kota Kinabalu has likewise issued an urgent appeal for monetary support to ease the hardship of affected families, especially for at least 43 families that have been forced to take shelter at Balai Raya Madsiang, Tadika Kemas Poginoun and Inobong Parish Hall.
Meanwhile, Persatuan Ulama Malaysia (PUM) has also launched a flash donation campaign for Sabah flood victims, calling on solidarity for those in Sabah who have been badly affected by the natural disaster.
Other people are also taking to social media to collect emergency supplies or funds, either to purchase basic necessities or to deliver them directly to families whose homes have been damaged.
Netizens outside of Sabah have also amplified such donation drives by Sabahans, helping to widen the reach of appeals and channel aid more swiftly.
Earlier today, National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) director-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah said the number of victims affected by floods and landslides in Sabah has surged to 2,533 as of 12pm , compared to 428 recorded yesterday.
The victims, comprising 668 families, have been placed in 20 temporary evacuation centres (PPS), up from only four centres that were opened yesterday.
Abdul Halim said 13 fatalities have been recorded due to landslides in Sabah so far. - NST

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