Despite Covid-19 Hardships, Malaysians Still Help Others To A More Hopeful Future
NGOs team up to help the needy during the pandemic.
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In a truly substantial and remarkable show of support, a Malaysian Solidarity Fund Against Covid-19 raised more than RM27 million in just three months.
The fund was only started in June this year by a coalition of 20 multi-racial and multi-faith non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
They included Tzu Chi Foundation Malaysia, Allied Coordinating Committee of Islamic NGOs (ACCIN), Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM), Global Peace Malaysia (GPM) and Catholic Bishops Conference Malaysia, Malaysia Hindu Sangam and Yayasan Ikram Malaysia (YIM).
The money raised benefited men, women and children throughout the country.
(Credit: Fernando Fong)
It was used to purchase ICU central surveillance systems, ICU oxygen supply and respiratory aids, high-flow oxygen nasal catheters, ICU beds, pneumatic beds, injection pumps, infusion pumps, baby incubators, protective masks and oxygen concentrators for 37 government hospitals and medical facilities.
In addition, the money raised allowed for the purchase of life-saving medical equipment such as electrocardiogram machines, mobile ventilators, vital signs monitors, heart monitors, pulse oximeters, and oxygen cylinders.
(Credit: Fernando Fong)
The fund also enabled 37,000 packages of groceries to be distributed every week in Klang Valley to pre-registered recipients.
Tzu Chi volunteer, Yeo Kar Peng, said Malaysians local and abroad have continued to show compassion and generosity.
When problems arose, they gave their time and money to address the needs. Everyone gave whatever little they can afford, and more than RM3 million were raised from individuals who gave RM10 each. All told, this had been a remarkable outpouring of support under challenging circumstances.
Yeo Kar Peng to TRP
(Credit: Fernando Fong)
Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) vice-president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Shamsudin said it is not a by chance that they managed to raise so much more than the initial target of RM10 million.
This is a powerful testament to the world, of Malaysians’ generosity. This is not the first time that Malaysians had stepped up to help their fellow countrymen. As the nation continues to battle the Covid-19 pandemic, we know that Malaysians will stand united.
Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Shamsudin to TRP
Meanwhile, Association of Nexgen Christians of Malaysia (Ancom) advisor Jason Leong said much is still needed to open the pathway to recovery for affected Malaysians.
Post Covid-19 recovery is a tough challenge, but one we are determined to get through. As we speak, a virtual charity concert featuring top Malaysian artists will be held soon.
Jason Leng to TRP
The concert, aptly named ‘Raising Hope’, will be streamed to the public for free on Facebook this Saturday (Sept 11) from 8 pm to 11 pm.
The glittering line-up includes iconic songbird Francesca Peters, singer and dancer Sean Ghazi, singer-songwriter Vince Chong, former champion of Malaysia Idol Daniel Lee, and Penang songbird Dasha Logan.
All artists involved in the concert will be performing pro-bono.
For further details of the full list of beneficiary hospitals & videos of the distribution of items, please see the Tzu Chi website HERE.
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