UUM VOLUNTEERS HEAD TO JOHOR

UUM ONLINE: A total of 60 volunteers from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) have been mobilized to the state of Johor to assist the victims of the flood which is being regarded as one of the worst natural disasters the state has ever experienced.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, recently conveyed an inspiring message for the volunteers who will assist the flood victims from 7 to 10 March.

"Malaysia is saddened by the tragedy of the recent floods in Johor because a great number of people have lost their property and homes. These people are now placed in the Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS), so we are prepared to assist in easing the burden of the flood victims.

"Thank you to the UUM volunteers for going through the challenge wholeheartedly while helping others and this mission will help humanise the students," he said during the launching of the Johor Post Flood Relief Mission 2023 which was held at the Ahmad Fawzi Basri Complex this morning.

He expressed hope that the volunteers would successfully complete their mission and that all relief efforts would proceed without a hitch. He also called on the volunteers to maintain the good name of UUM and to take care of their own health and safety.

According to him, as future leaders, students will be an example to society by demonstrating noble morals and cultivating an attitude of concern, responsibility, and empathy towards humanitarian issues.

Meanwhile, the leader of the Johor 2023 Post-Flood Relief Mission, Mr. Mohd Khairone Md Khatidin, stated that the volunteers comprised 10 staff and 50 students who will go to homes to carry out cleaning work in flood-affected areas in the districts of Segamat, Tangkak, Batu Pahat, Caah, Kluang., Muar, Labis, Skudai, and Paloh.

"This effort is crucial to enhance the nation's preparedness to face emergency situations in flood disasters that require the assistance of skilled volunteers," he said.

He explained that this programme is supported by the Malaysia Universities Volunteer Council (MASKUM), the Ministry of Higher Education and the Malaysian Association of Youth Clubs (MAYC).

He stated that this flood relief effort would include the cleaning of 30 homes, the delivery of food and medical aid, and the distribution of 100 Rahmah boxes.

"Floods not only cause property damage and death, but also emotional issues such as depression, anxiety, and fear."

“Thus, counsellors provide psychosocial and emotional support to flood victims via Psychology First Aid (PFA) and motivation,” he explained.