UMP Volunteer Squad extends assistance

PEKAN, 22 January 2021 - Sympathise with the flood-ravaged houses and those affected by distress has prompted a total of 209 volunteers among the staff of Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) to contribute to this humanitarian mission.
Upon receiving the volunteer search notification from the UMP Disaster Management Steering Committee (JKBB), Abd. Latip Haji Deris who is the President of the UMP Support Staff Union (KESUMP) with his wife, Jamiaah Noor Rahmad from the Centre for Information & Communication Technology (PTMK) decided to join the volunteer squad.
According to Abd. Latip, the flood situation in Pahang which was seen through social media and television was distressing. 
“There were sunken houses and lots of damaged furniture and could not be saved.
“The same goes for the submerged school equipment. 
“I have gained a lot of experience working with the volunteers from other agencies during the cleaning of SK Pulau Manis in Pekan which was badly hit by the flood,” he said.
Similarly, Rozana Shahadan from the Centre of Industry and Community Network (ICoN) and Erma Yanti Zakaria from the Centre for Modern Languages (PBM) helped sort over 500 clothes the collection centre at UMP Astaka Hall.
Meanwhile, Ernie Nurazlin Lizam from the Centre for Property Management & Development (PPPH) managed the logistics and transportation said her team must be ready to arrange the volunteers’ movement so that they arrive at each location on time.
“The last minute change was a challenge but the cooperation of all committee members helped to ensure all missions were well coordinated,” she said. 
The Head of the Volunteer Committee, Mohd. Raizalhilmy Mohd Rais who is also the President of the Association of Administrative and Professional Officers (PPTI) said the movement of the volunteers must get advice and permission from the District Disaster Management Committee. 
“The volunteers were involved in cleaning activities and managing all the donations coordinated with Yayasan UMP. 
“Besides that, the arrangements for food, medical kits and cleaning tools must be coordinated and the tools must be stored properly after use,” he said.
His team appreciated the commitment of volunteers for their services. 
Meanwhile, the volunteers’ healthy level is paramount and were advised to always ensure safety and health and comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the activities. 
To date, 18 missions involving 11 locations were accomplished.
Among them were Kampung Lompat, Kampung Tanjung Belengu and Kampung Buntut Pulau in Temerloh. 
The schools involved were Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Paloh Hinai, Taman Pelangkah, Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Mambang, Kampung Semangat, SK Pelak, SK Kinchir and SK Pulau Manis in Pekan.

By: Mimi Rabita Abdul Wahit, Corporate Communications Unit, The Office of The Vice-Chancellor
Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, Engineering College/Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology