UMP volunteers draw up mission to assist Kota Palu victims

By: NOR FATIN NABILAH MOHD TAHIR, AWANI RANGERS & UMP MASS MEDIA 
       CLUB 

Stirred by the plight of victims suffering from the double natural disasters of earthquake and tsunami, which hit Kota Palu, Sulawesi, Indonesia, last September 28, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) volunteers – comprising Students Movement (GPS) in collaboration with the Chemical Engineering Students Association (CHEST) – have drawn up a programmed called Palu Humanitarian Mission to help lighten the former’s burden.

The Mission, planned for May 11 to 16 during the fasting month of Ramadan, has received endorsement and cooperation from Malaysian Muslims Welfare Fund Foundation (YDKMM) and Indonesia’s philanthropic board Rumah Zakat (RZ). 

The two non-governmental bodies are well-experienced in handling and managing victims suffering and recovering from serial disasters, like earthquake, tsunami and soil liquidation.

According to UMP Department of Student Affairs & Alumni Senior Executive, Abdul Rahman Ahmad, who is also the Programme Advisor, among the main agenda drawn up for the Mission will be temporary relocation of housings, schools and lavatories.

“What distinguishes this coming Mission from the rest, is that it will be carried out during the fasting month of Ramadhan. Hence, UMP volunteers will get to share the experience of fasting with post-calamity victims there,” he said.
 
“Aside from UMP, this Mission will also engage volunteers from other public universities,” Abdul Rahman added.

“We hope such programme will help produce students who not only excel in academic, but also outstanding in the spirit of humanity and charity, and positively trained to communicate and interact well with the real world,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Programme Director Ezwan Shah Nordin, said to date, the Mission has collected some RM20,000 of cash contribution, and is targeting to rally up a fund of RM100,000, to help build more temporary shelters to house the victims before the approaching festive celebration of Aidil Fitri. 

“During the mission, we also hope to carry out a number of communal activities, like breaking of fast, community service as well as an academic motivational workshop, to help the children who have been missing schools cope with their education,” said Ezwan, who is also the Executive Committee of Volunteers & Community Service of UMP Students Council,  

On February 19, UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim officially launched the Palu Humanitarian Mission Fund. Aside from getting corporate sponsorships, the Mission has also organized other donation drives, like the Palu Charity Run and Food Festival, which went well-received by the general public.

For those who wish to donate to the Palu Humanitarian Mission Fund, they may channel their cash and cheque contributions, under the name of “Bendahari Universiti Malaysia Pahang”, directly into the Mission’s official account at Maybank: 5561 3530 4242.

For proper accounting and documentation, contributors are advised to notify the Mission’s Treasurer, NoorIlmiah Datu Moksan of UMP Bursary, at her mobile number +60145641887, once deposits have been made.