Malaysia Floods: Singapore Red Cross Contributes RM 600,000 (S$227,000) In Emergency Humanitarian Aid

Singapore, 29 December 2014 – The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) will contribute Malaysian Ringgit 600,000 (S$227,000) to relief efforts of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) in response to the severe flooding in Malaysia – S$100,000 from the Government of Singapore and the remaining from SRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund. SRC Secretary General, Mr Benjamin William, will hand over Singapore’s contribution to MRCS Chairman, YM Tunku Tan Sri Dato’ Shahriman, at the MRCS’ national headquarters in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.

The contribution to MRCS will be used to purchase and distribute much-needed relief items such as food rations, hygiene kits and blankets to affected communities. Some 300 MRCS volunteers have been mobilised and are on-ground to support the relief distribution, currently focused on Kelantan, one of the worst-affected areas. MRCS has pledged support for more than 160,000 displaced evacuees.

Mr William shared, “As a close neighbour and friend, all Singaporeans are very concerned about the flooding situation in several Malaysian states. We are heartened that many Singaporeans have approached the Singapore Red Cross to offer their support.”

“We make this humble contribution in the spirit of solidarity with our Malaysian friends. We hope that the flood waters will recede quickly and with the resilience of the affected communities, life will return to normalcy soon,” he added.

Eight Malaysian states have been affected by the floods, and SRC will continue to work with MRCS on how Singaporeans could provide support to the relief efforts.

For those wishing to contribute, SRC will accept walk-in donations for ongoing relief efforts in the areas affected by the floods.

Cheque – made payable to ‘Singapore Red Cross Society’, indicate ‘Malaysian Floods 2014’, donor’s name and contact details at the back, and post it to Red Cross House, 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486.

Cash – monetary donations can be made at the Red Cross House, 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486, Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 6pm.

Notes:

  • Donations to overseas relief are not entitled to tax deduction.
  • The Singapore Red Cross reserves the right to deploy excess funds to underfunded disasters, so as to ensure humanitarian aid gets to those in need.
  • In-kind donations are not encouraged as purchasing things locally (within the disaster-affected country) would help to stimulate the economy and ensure employment. In-kind donations are also not encouraged due to logistical considerations associated with freight related issues. Besides the need for permit, there may be delays in clearing the items at the airport due to influx of donations from all over the world. If there is a delay, a fine may even be imposed. That is after deploying extensive resources to collect, sort and pack at the initial stage. Monetary donations are encouraged because the money can be used to purchase items more quickly at other unaffected areas within the country, thereby enhancing flexibility in Singapore Red Cross’ response coordination at this critical time of need.