SOWING THE SEED OF CONCERN, VOLUNTEERS HELP FLOOD VICTIMS

UUM ONLINE: Baling – ‘Berat sama dipikul, ringan sama dijinjing.’ (Many hands make light work) -a fitting Malay proverb to express the assistance provided by the volunteer team from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) who were mobilised to assist flood victims in the Baling district during the two-day clean-up exercise.

Prof. Dr Haim Hilman Abdullah, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), who is also acting as Vice-Chancellor, stated that a total of 70 UUM volunteers, including staff and students, assisted in the cleanup of flood-damaged homes.

According to him, the act of volunteerism demonstrated UUM's deep concern for and awareness of the needs of the community.

He was pleased that the majority of the volunteers were semester one students, and that some of them came from Baling.

"We want this attitude and characteristic of volunteerism because being a leader entails not only academic excellence but also the ability to understand all levels of society."

At the same time, Prof. Dr. Haim Hilman reminded volunteers to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) even if they were cleaning.

Meanwhile, Ms. Siti Nur Anisa Mohd Kaharizal, a fellow volunteer, stated that she was encouraged to become a UUM volunteer to help flood victims affected by the disaster out of a sense of community responsibility.

According to her, the prolonged heavy rains had flooded homes in several villages, including musallas, and filled them with sludge and garbage.

"This is the best time for me to serve the community; additionally, the affected residents live in the same district as I do."

"It is hoped that the services provided by the UUM volunteers will alleviate their burden in the cleaning work," said the Semester three, Bachelor of Business Management programme student.

In addition to cleaning the affected houses and musaollas, UUM donated basic necessities such as rice, flour, sugar, and dry foods to the affected residents.

Dato' Khairul Azhar Abdullah, the community leader, was also present and thanked UUM for choosing the Baling district by sending a team of volunteers to help the residents affected by the floods that hit the district.