Sulawesi Hit by Tsunami

Sulawesi, 1 Oktober 2018 – More than 1200 have been reported dead after a tsunami triggered by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in Palu and Donggala District, Sulawesi Tengah, Indonesia on September 28th.

 

The number of deaths is expected to increase as new information may be available as one of the two most affected districts hit by earthquake is still inaccessible

 

Based on local reports, more than 750,000 people are in estimation exposed to the aftereffects of the earthquake.

 

The main road to Palu has been blocked due to a landslide, and a key bridge is damaged and not accessible. Donggala is not accessible and therefore as the extent of damage is yet to be known.

 

Thousands of homes have also collapsed, along with hospitals, hotels and a shopping centre.

 

Islamic Relief (IR) Indonesia is now in collaboration with Rumah Zakat (RZ) alongside Pos Keadilan Peduli Ummat (PKPU) to help distribute humanitarian aids. A total number of 20 local Non-Government Offices (NGOs) are selected to cooperate with Disaster Management Authorities for the mission.

 

Photo credit: Pos Keadilan Peduli Ummat (PKPU)

Community Programme Empowers the People

Kuala Lumpur, 22 Sep 2018 – Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM) alongside Maybank Islamic Berhad (MIB) strove together to strengthen the welfare of residents in Projek Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) Batu Muda through Maybank Corporate Responsibility Day 2018.

 

The programme which involved gotong-royong activities, painting, planting trees, sharing session on financial management and the future of youth led to fostering a better relationship between all parties of Batu Muda PPR Community, IRM, and MIB in efforts to a more conducive life.

 

According to IRM Chief Executive Officer, Zairulshahfuddin Zainal Abidin, a non-government organisation (NGO) is the future of people that will be a critical factor in the development of a community and country including PPR.

 

“In between the government and corporate bodies exist in Malaysia, NGOs are the middlemen to help beneficiaries and complement each other in implementing a project,” he said in his speech.

 

Zairulshahfuddin was also positive with the presence of beneficiaries deemed to be a factor as to why IRM and MIB jointly mobilise the community.

 

He also expressed his gratitude in collaboration with MIB who has never been tired of continuously pursuing the community through humanitarian assistance to those in need either in and out of the country since 2015.

Mangkhut Typhoon Hit Philippines

Philippines, 18 Sept 2018 81 have been reportedly died in Philippines as Mangkhut Typhoon hit the country in the last few days.

 

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) claimed that over 1 million families have been affected by the typhoon.

 

The typhoon which has maximum winds of up to 205 kilometres per hour with gustiness of up to 255 kilometres per hour entered the Philippines Area of Responsibility on 12th of September afternoon.

 

According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 1.9 million people are residing in the affected areas within the 200 kilometres radius from the projected typhoon track.

 

Department of Agriculture also stated that the potential damage to rice crops may reach up to RM 535 million and RM 480 million in areas of North Luzon.  

 

Currently, Islamic Relief (IR) has outlined a response that would likely target under-served areas where International Non-Government Organisations (INGOs) are not present and would focus on cash and shelter.

Source: Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW)

IRM Wins the Heart of Many

BAYAN LEPAS, Sep 16, 2018 – Malaysia Day 2018 is celebrated with Tazkirah and ‘busking’ (Tazking) by Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM) alongside Afad & Friends in an effort to encourage the public to continue serving the needy.

 

The busking which began with the songs in commemoration to comprehend the pain felt by the needy, either inside or outside the country, captured public interest to continue making contributions.

 

In addition to entertaining the public in support of the event, IRM also had the opportunity to share experiences and humanitarian messages that alerted the public regarding emergency situations that took place everywhere and needed compassion and the help of the public.

 

Nurdahlia Omar, one of the spectators who were in the busking scene, said that the steps taken by the IRM were a new initiative and gave a different uniqueness to humanitarian world as it grew the level of awareness on humanitarian issues happening across the world.

 

“I think this is a good initiative and should be continued because tourists from either inside or outside the country can understand better about humanitarian issues happening in the world,” he said when being interviewed.

 

At the same time, the program in conjunction with Malaysia Day 2018 not only received the support from Malaysians but also foreign tourists who also contributed to reduce the burden held by those in need.

IRM Given Mandate to Help Palestinians

Putrajaya, 8 Sep 2018 – Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM) as an international humanitarian organisation is nominated as one of the implementing partners for Palestine Fund campaign alongside a local non-government organisation, MyCARE.

 

The Palestine Fund campaign was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail implemented under National Welfare Foundation, Ministry of Women Development, Family and Society.

 

“I am happy to officiate the Palestine Fund and I hope that it could benefit the people in need.

 

“Our fundraising efforts to help Palestinians are aided by our strategic partners, Islamic Relief Malaysia and MyCARE,” she said when giving speech.

 

She also expressed her gratitude towards all donours and believes that Malaysians from all ethnic backgrounds can help change the fate of Palestinians.

 

“I believe Malaysians of different backgrounds and religious persuasions have come together to support this cause. Kindness is something that builds bridges between all of us and bring us together.”

 

Commenting on the humanitarian issues in Palestine, she emphasised the Palestinian issue is not just an issue for Arabs or Muslims but it needs the power from the public to help restore the condition in Palestine.

 

Dr. Wan Azizah hopes supports from the public and media organisations could make the campaign a success.

Exclusive Pre-Loved Items Sales to Help Development Projects

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 SEP 2018 – Squad Celebrity Global Volunteers organised a Pre Loved4U Charity Sales in efforts to collect funds of RM2.4 million for humanitarian projects of Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM) in collaboration with Ukhuwah 4 Ummah (U4U).

 

The sales collection of pre-loved items belong to local celebrities through the event will be channelled to four development projects in Malawi, Bosnia and Herzegovina, India, and the Philippines.

 

Celebrity Squad Celebrity Global Volunteers which was formed last April allowed 12 local celebrities to get an opportunity to explore the pain that the people in these four countries feel in hopes that they could share with the public about these people.

 

The 12 celebrities include Irma Hasmie, Redza Syah Azmeer, Fara Fauzana, Faizal Ismail, Ashraf Muslim, Fara Lee, Lufya Omar, Diana Amir, Zoey Rahman, Lah Ahmad, and Dhirar Zainal.

 

Mohamad Sharudin Dawam, President of U4U said “It is also an opportunity for different Malaysian celebrities such as singers, actors, bloggers, and social media influencers to work together as a team to implement humanitarian projects globally.

 

“Such situation should be exposed to which people need to know and the local artists are the best icons because they are not only entertainers but also able to deliver humanitarian messages to others and they can also share what’s going on out there.”

 

Humanitarian Icon of IRM, Ashraf Muslim who was a part of the humanitarian mission of the Squad Celebriti Global Volunteers in Bosnia and Herzegovina also insists that every human being has been given the power to preach and deliver messages to the public.

 

“I’m sure everyone has their own advantages as well as professionals who have their own way to preach. I believe that Allah has granted the power to everyone to preach.”

 

Apart from the 12 celebrities in the Squad Celebrity Global Volunteers, a total of 20 local artists were also involved in contributing their personal items to auction and to be donated to the Squad Celebrity.