For as long as we – in the drier parts of the country- have seen the east coast floods get worse, we have also witnessed how groups of exemplary Malaysians have come out to assist victims enduring a not-so-great start to the new year.
But there are exceptions. The New Straits Times‘ Firdaous Fadzil reported yesterday that the Muslim Care Society Malaysia has been receiving items such as old shoes and unwashed underwear from so-called ‘donors’.
To make matters worse, these people lose their minds when told their unwanted items were not needed.
“Some donors scolded us and accused us being too selective but some understood after we explained the situation and opted to donate cash or food instead,” said Amina Tahir, 25, a Muslim care activist quoted in the report.
Muslim Care Society Malaysia secretary, Abdul Razak Mohamed, 45 told the NST that volunteers now had to spend more time sorting the rubbish from the usable items.
“We have to be more sensitive and understand the victims’ emotion after losing everything in the flood. Giving new goods is like giving presents and that at least will lessen their suffering and help them emotionally,” he was quoted as saying.
Photo credit: The Star Online
