[ad_1]
This article is in conjunction with International Volunteer Day that falls on December 5 of each year.
KUALA LUMPUR: Many people in the B40 group were negatively affected after losing their jobs and businesses after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since then, the government has launched various initiatives to ease its financial burden. While the Extreme Poor and Persons with Disabilities (OKU) who are registered with the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) and other agencies receive regular help from the government, unregistered urban poor and needy communities are often overlooked.
And usually it is the unsung heroes, volunteers from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), who come to their rescue.
According to Ishak Abdul Kadir, founder and president of Insaf Malaysia, a non-profit technical aid organization, many people in extreme poverty and poor urban communities are unaware of the social assistance provided by JKM and the Islamic State Religious Departments.
“This is where NGOs and volunteers play a role in identifying those who have been left out (of aid programs), regardless of their political leanings, race or religion.”
Sharing his organization’s experiences in identifying and helping poor urban communities in the Klang Valley, Ishak said they use the “back door” approach to reach the target group.
“We go to schools first to identify poor and needy children before meeting their families and visiting their homes,” he said, adding that every deserving child receives a packed lunch, a 10 kilogram package of rice, cooking oil and soy sauce. and other take-home items by Insaf Malaysia volunteers.
“We are able to identify the problems they face when we meet their parents, who are mostly people who have lost their jobs and their children are forced to starve at school because they are too poor to receive pocket money.”
With this approach, he added, Insaf Malaysia manages to identify 50 to 100 needy families per month who are then assisted to register for regular help from JKM, as well as the Baitulmal and Zakat Centers run by the Islamic State’s Religious Departments.
FOOD PACKAGES FOR THOSE IN NEED
During the early phases of the Movement Control Order, Insaf Malaysia has been collaborating with Yayasan Foodbank Malaysia to distribute dry and wet food, as well as hot food packages, to the urban poor residing on the floors of the People’s Housing. Project and welfare institutions such as orphanages. and homes for the elderly.
Before the MCO, the Insaf Malaysia kitchen in Setiawangsa here used to prepare enough food for 500 food packages a day, but after the application of the MCO, they were preparing food for up to 3,500 food packages a day to distribute to the groups. people in need.
Insaf Malaysia, which was established in 2009, has around 400 volunteers, comprising people from different backgrounds who have been actively involved with the organization for 10 years. Among them are doctors, paramedics and nutritionists who make sure that the food prepared by the organization is nutritious and healthy.
Meanwhile, two months ago in September, Insaf Malaysia installed two huts behind its office in Setiawangsa to serve as “emergency” shelters for families whose homes have been affected by natural disasters such as floods or fires.
“They can stay in our cabins for up to two weeks while they wait for their houses to be repaired,” Ishak said, adding that poor families from other states who need to seek medical treatment in Kuala Lumpur can also stay in the cabins that are furnished with a sofa. , fan and two double-deck beds. Toilet and bathroom are available outside the cabins.
TECHNICAL RELIEF
Ishak, meanwhile, said he felt compelled to establish an NGO about 10 years ago after participating in humanitarian missions in several countries that were affected by natural disasters.
“I was surprised by the lack of technical aid organizations in Malaysia at the time. Although emergency medical relief is vital, housing, clean water, sanitation and an adequate food program are equally important for communities affected by natural disasters, ”he explained.
Insaf Malaysia focuses on four support groups, namely medical, shelter, food and drinking water supply.
In addition to providing humanitarian aid, Ishak also strives to train a group of high-caliber volunteers who have the knowledge and skills to ensure the success of the relief efforts in which they participate.
He also emphasized that Insaf Malaysia offers help to all groups in need regardless of race and religion, adding that during the MCO he had come across some people in need who claimed they had been left out of certain aid schemes based on race. .
“It saddened me because when it comes to extending aid, no one should be left out. For example, if a certain religious organization is giving aid, it should also be given to non-followers and not just to people who practice the same faith, ”he added.
Those interested in volunteering for Insaf Malaysia can visit their website at www.insafmalaysia.org.my for more information.Called
[ad_2]
