Cameron Highlands Farmers Raise RM18,000 Overnight For EMCO Relief

Generous farmers came to the aid of pandemic-stricken Cameron Highlands folks.

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The farmers in Cameron Highlands were feeling quite concerned and worried for Kampung Raja when it was recently placed under Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO).

A RELA personnel passes by an EMCO warning sign in Kampung Raja. (Fernando Fong/TRP)

They wanted to help, and help they did.

“We thought that if we could do this fundraiser, we can get food and send it to them,” said Looi Kin Thor, the village chief of Ringlet.

Asking for donations from the farmers came naturally as a fundraising idea as, she said, Cameron farmers are very willing to help their most vulnerable community members.

Overnight, Looi and her team of volunteers collected more than RM18,000. The money was used to buy some 300 grocery packs, including eggs, rice, biscuits, condensed milk, and other daily essentials.

A worker loading vegetable produce onto a truck in Kampung Raja. (Fernando Fong/TRP)

“Such initiative will make sure that our community stays connected and engaged during this critical season,” she said.

The bulk of the money raised came from the Bertam Valley community, an agricultural village near Ringlet town.

The contributions were made through MCA’s Crisis Relief Squad (CRSM), led by local youngsters.

On Saturday, it was raining when they distributed the groceries, but the foul weather wouldn’t stop the volunteers.

Volunteers distributing the groceries under heavy rain. (Fernando Fong/TRP)

Cameron Highlands CRSM leader Jeff Seow said groceries are an essential resource during this time.

“We have always felt that it is important to help the communities where we live and work, especially during challenging times,” said Seow, a farmer himself.

Kg Raja is an important agricultural transportation hub for Cameron Highlands. (Fernando Fong/TRP)

Tan Choo Kuan, Cameron Highlands Wanita MCA chief, said many low-income members of the community – especially children and seniors – are under a tremendous amount of stress due to this EMCO.

“We want to do what we can to help eliminate hunger,” she said, and Kampung Raja folks were all praises for the items received.

“Every bit counts. This EMCO is yet another major setback during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic,” said 56-year-old Samsul Baharin.

Kampung Raja resident Samsul Baharin carrying off the groceries he received. (Fernando Fong/TRP)

Agricultural activities in Kampung Raja were in limbo after it was placed under an Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) from June 14 to June 27.

Agricultural transportation has resumed in Kg Raja despite the EMCO. (Fernando Fong/TRP)

It was resumed, halted and resumed again after intervention by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

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