| Universiti Putra Malaysia

UPM sends more volunteers comprising 53 students and staff to help flood victims

By Khairul Anuar Muhamad Noh

 



SERDANG, Jan 7 – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) mobilised its second phase of 3D Flood Aid Volunteer Mission in two buses to Sekolah Menengah Bera, Bera, Pahang on January 6, consisting of 53 volunteers among staff, local students and 15 international students.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Dato' Dr. Mohammad Shatar Sabran praised the concerns and social responsibility shown by the international students for the victims in the flood-affected communities.

"Those 15 international students are from Palestine, Pakistan, Nigeria and the Philippines. I was really touched when a Palestinian student, Ghazi Azzazi, said his little contribution could be considered as a courtesy exchange with the Malaysians who have always helped his country when being discriminated by Israel," he said.



He said the worst affected area is the school canteen where the flood waters reached the roof and submerged dishes, utensils and other facilities.

Prof. Shatar said UPM volunteers will also help with the cleaning works in the classrooms where many textbooks, cupboards, fans, tables, chairs and other items were destroyed and swept away by the flood waters.

Prior to that, a group of volunteers consisting of 150 students, staff including a medical team led by him, ended their mission in Kelantan on January 5, and UPM will also mobilise other volunteer groups in third and fourth phases from 8 to 11 January and 13 to 16 January to Kelantan and Pahang respectively.



"On the last day of the mission in Kelantan yesterday, Student Affairs Division managed to contribute supplies to several families who have lost their homes due to the floods in Manek Urai Lama.

"In the first phase of our mission, we managed to do some cleaning works at the Urban Health Clinic, Pasir Mas, Kelantan, which had been badly damaged by the floods, and we were thankful that the health centre was able to operate the next day.

"In addition, UPM volunteers also helped with the cleaning works around Taman Rantau Emas, Sekolah Kebangsaan Gual Tinggi, Sekolah Menengah Rantau Panjang and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan areas in Pengkalan Chepa," he said.

He added, UPM students who are interested in becoming volunteers for the third and fourth phases, are able to participate by contacting the Student Representative Council immediately.

Besides raising money, the 3D campaign also encourages UPM community to perform prayers, Yasin recitation and general volunteers, counselors as well as religious officers will be dispatched to help the flood victims who are in need of their services.

The public can also make donations at two UPM 3D Relief Collection Centres located at the Experimental Theatre, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Arts and Cultural Centre (PKSAAS), from 9am to 5pm, and UPM Mosque from 6pm to 9pm, which run daily until the flood situations improve.

 


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