Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM), as an international non-government body (NGO), continues to strive in the name of humanity, to help the less fortunate both locally and also globally.

IRM Chief Executive Officer, Zairulshahfuddin Zainal Abidin recently shared several strategies to be implemented for extension of humanitarian outreach. This is in line with action plan 2017 – 2021 which places the principal of helping special groups such as people with disabilities (OKU) and the Aborigine apart from current aid recipients.

“For this year alone, IRM will utilise a whole different scheme in building specific clusters that bring us to the direction where we’re headed in a more systematic way depending on our personnel’s expertise in the company. That’s what we’re targeting to do for Domestic Programme,” he said.

For this year, there are three key subdivisions namely Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Emergency, Shelter and Seasonal Programmes, and Sustainable Livelihood and Health. Each subdivision featured has its unique roles to help expand the existing system, the goal being to ease the management.

“Previously, we only had about 15 active personnel in the Division of Domestic Programme and it was challenging especially with the need to ensure cost-effectiveness. Much to do with our projects were made possible through the many collaborations and co-operation with close humanitarian partners in the country.

“After a rethink, we realized that the staff at IRM performed based on their expertise, which can be realised through the specific clusters mentioned. In fact, I also believe that this new approach is an excellent long-term action plan as it parallels the direction of IRM towards making humanitarian work a career. I construe this as a priceless opportunity for those who are interested in their skills in humanitarian work.

Zairulshahfuddin further explained, “For instance, DRR and Emergency is the cluster that will immediately respond to disasters that occur unexpectedly such as fires, landslides, or even flash floods. These are the people who will act for humanity first-hand to go out and support all affected by providing aid in the forms of emergency kits, hygiene kits, and others.

“On the same note, we will consider utilising methods by other international non-government bodies that lay emphasis on the cluster of DRR and Emergency at a global level. In such a context, the cluster of DRR will put forth a cautious approach towards prevention whenever disaster happens through practical learning along with the community deemed to be vulnerable to any disasters. Indirectly, earlier expected damage can be reduced.”

In addition, the subdivision of Shelter will highlight the significance of child protection as well as women because around 80 to 90 percent from the previous beneficiaries served fall into this category. Zairulshahfuddin perceives this group as a crucial one to be well taken care of when a project is ongoing, and even when a day programme is planned. Ultimately, it is meant to safeguard personal information and the status of children and women thus preventing abuse and exploitation of information.

The final cluster which places emphasis on the significance of sustainable livelihood where IRM plans to reinvent a new life for beneficiaries who aspire to improve their economic status by running their own profitable businesses.

“Sustainable livelihood is all about the engagement of beneficiaries we have with the programmes offered to improve their lives through business management, business knowledge, and also establishing themselves to achieve financial independence. We will provide the motivation to beneficiaries who want a better quality of life.

Additionally, IRM will also increase the frequency of online campaigns coordinated by the Communications and Campaigns Division with full control of their own official website including all local programmes through the electronic media as well as print media. It aims to disseminate important information to develop awareness of global humanitarian issues.

Speaking about IRM’s strength, Zairulshahfuddin highlighted several fortes under IRM’s advantageous position in being part of an international organisation.

“Being an international organisation with 46 fixed networks across the world, international outreach is one of the key specialties of IRM when a campaign is actively ongoing. Various information can be obtained directly from the field and that they are valuable to raise more public awareness.

“Of course, support from IRM staff and volunteers who work tirelessly without complaint also plays a vital part in the planning and implementation of a programme. I believe they are the backbone that upholds the trust and mandate given to assist our beneficiaries.

“In terms of mainstream media that has become the part and parcel of everyone’s life, we also believe our strength lies in the social media network, connecting the public community with beneficiaries through meaningful humanitarian messages, related campaigns, and humanitarian reports in order to gain their trust in IRM as a body that channels aids. It bridges the people with humanitarian issues across the world as well as those in the country.

Challenges encountered serve as the driving force which keeps us going. In humanitarian work, Zairulshahfuddin pointed out that funds gathered are not always the yardstick for success. It is through unconditional effort, an immeasurable level of energy and drive from many to achieve the target that determines it.

On a more serious note, fluctuations in global economy are also seen as a hindering factor in humanitarian work as most NGOs would depend on funds contributed by the public community. In general, pushing them to donate is never a choice. In addition, volunteer activities which require multiple hands pose another challenge as they are not obliged to help.

Holistically, IRM’s action plans are part of a long-term effort. If it were to be linked with business, the business aspect would solely be for the beneficiaries to ensure they are always being served. More importantly, IRM will continue to raise awareness of and champion humanitarian issues and causes in the quest to develop love for humanity and a community that cares beyond boundaries.

The program, which became the annual event of the IRM, gathers all beneficiaries from various backgrounds to experience the festivities of the Chinese New Year celebration.

IRM’s Chief Executive Officer, Zairulshahfuddin Zainal Abidin said the Share the Joy program is held every year in line with the IRM’s humanitarian mission itself that helps the beneficiaries without knowing race, religion, and age.

“This Chinese New Year celebration is our annual program that we actually fulfill on the basis of humanitarian mission regardless of color, beliefs, age as well as gender.

“It also aims to build closer ties between Chinese communities with IRM staff including our volunteers in creating a harmonious atmosphere as Malaysia is a multi-racial country.

“We also want to ensure that trusts and responsibilities are channeled to disadvantaged beneficiaries so that they continue to support and get the attention of the community,” Zairulshahfuddin explained about the Share the Joy program.

It involves single mothers, orphans, senior citizens, critical patients, Disabled persons and other beneficiaries living in the care center. The occupants of the house cover a wide range of races namely Chinese, Indian, and Malay ranging from 23 to 94 years old.

Throughout the Share the Joy program, it is also enlivened with the excitement of exciting activities including manicure, haircut for men, origami, bowling, muffin cake decorations, Chinese calligraphy and beauty activities.

IRM’s Humanitarian Icon, Irma Hasmie and Saujana Group were also present to enliven the program as well as to spur the spirit of humanity to continue to assist beneficiaries.

Out of that number, 2,845 households in different camps in District District were forced to move.

Some building structures are used as shelters while lack of water, sanitation, and health facilities that are not user-friendly with disabilities.

A school that houses 704 students is also impressed with the flood while four schools are being used as shelters as well as affecting the learning process.

Critical urgency requirements involving food and non-food items (NFIs) such as blankets, water, buckets, chlorine for water purification, mosquito nets, and tents to reduce their burden.

Following the incident, Islamic Relief (IR) Malawi intends to provide food and NFI to 1,000 families in Makhuwira where IR Malawi is implementing food safety projects.

Now, IR Malawi needs £ 50,000 to mobilize the first phase of humanitarian work involving food distribution and NFI.

The main focus of the program was to create a harmonious atmosphere as well as to share the excitement with the residents so that they would not be left out during the festive seasons.

Among the programs included decorating the Chinese New Year themed hall, the yee sang, the friendly sessions, and the gift of souvenirs to all residents.

In addition, IRM staff also have the opportunity to assist inpatients who are unable to move and lead them to participate in organized activities.

For information, the Sri Pritchard Elderly Home is the largest home in Sabah with the largest number of occupants under the management of the Sabah State Welfare Department.

Dia juga tidak pernah membiarkan dirinya terus dipandang lemah oleh masyarakat meski langkah kakinya tidak selincah insan normal lain.

Anak kelahiran jati Pidi, Indonesia ini sememangnya terlatih cekal sejak di bangku sekolah. Semangat yang kental membawa dia merantau ke Palembang untuk menuntut ilmu kemahiran di bidang elektrik.

Selepas 3 tahun, dia kembali ke tanah asal kelahirannya dengan membawa cita-cita besar untuk mengubah nasib diri keluar dari kesusahan yang menghimpit.

Berbekal semangat yang kental, Syamberli mengumpul modal sedikit demi sedikit lalu membuka kiosk niaga untuk menyara keluarga berdekatan rumahnya. Kiosk itu ibarat rumah kedua yang menjadi saksi jatuh bangun Syamberli dalam mencari sesuap nasi selama hampir 25 tahun.

“Alhamdulillah, ramai juga pelanggan yang datang ke kedai saya walaupun terdapat kedai lain menawarkan perkhidmatan membaiki alat elektrik yang sama. Saya sentiasa percaya rezeki setiap orang sudah tertulis dan setiap orang ada rezeki masing-masing,” kata Syamberli.

Tambahnya, meski keuntungan yang diperolehi tidak menentu namun cukup untuk dia, isteri dan dua orang anaknya meneruskan kelangsungan hidup dalam penuh kesederhanaan.

Sepanjang Syamberli berkongsi kisah jerih payah hidupnya dan keluarga kepada delegasi Islamic Relief, isterinya Juwaidiah, 41 tahun tetap setia menemani dan memberi semangat kepada sang suami yang kadangkala kelihatan gugup untuk berbicara.

Bagi kami, perwatakan Juwaidiah yang ceria dan sentiasa tersenyum mesra menjadi salah satu sumber kekuatan kepada Syamberli. Mereka saling melengkapi dan sentiasa bersyukur dengan nikmat rezeki yang diperolehi meski pada pandangan mata kasar, kehidupan mereka tidak ubah seperti kais pagi makan pagi, kais petang makan petang.

Disangka panas sampai ke petang, rupanya hujan ditengah hari. Kiosk niaga yang menjadi medan juang untuk syamberli mencari nafkah musnah dalam tragedi gempa bumi dan tsunami yang membadai Aceh khususnya di kawasan Pidie Jaya pada tanggal 7 Disember 2016.

Berdasarkan laporan berita susulan kejadian waktu itu, kira-kira 97 orang telah terkorban manakala beratus-ratus lagi cedera dalam siri gempa bumi sekuat 6.4 skala Richter.

Syamberli antara penduduk yang terjejas teruk ekoran insiden yang berlaku sekitar jam 5 pagi.

“Sewaktu kejadian, saya terperangkap di dalam rumah. Ada dinding nak jatuh dan hampir sahaja menimpa saya, mujur anak lelaki saya sempat mengangkat dan membawa saya ke luar kerana saya tidak mampu bergerak pantas untuk menyelamatkan diri kerana kecacatan kaki saya,” cerita Syamberli dengan penuh syukur.

Tambahnya, hening subuh yang biasanya dihiasi bunyi unggas dan kokokan ayam bertukar menjadi hingar. Kedengaran suara teriakan berselang seli dengan deruan tapak kaki manusia yang sedang berlari mencari tempat untuk berlindung.

Reaksi cemas jelas terpancar diwajah delegasi Islamic Relief ketika syamberli berkongsi detik panik itu. Mana tidaknya, cara dan gaya penceritaan syamberli yang penuh kesungguhan seolah membawa kami menerobos masa lalu bersamanya.

“Kejadian itu bukan sahaja meranapkan kiosk saya malah rumah kami juga musnah dan menghempap motor roda tiga saya. Hampir setahun kami terpaksa tinggal di dalam khemah di bahagian depan rumah,” kata Syamberli.

Apabila pegawai Islamic Relief bertanyakan tentang makan-minum serta sumber pendapatan sepanjang tinggal di dalam khemah, dia dan isteri hanya tersenyum. Mereka kelihatan berat untuk bercerita lebih lanjut mengenai hal itu. Mungkin pengalaman yang dilalui terlalu pahit untuk dikenang.

Selepas setahun, Syamberli menerima bantuan rumah sementara daripada Pemerintah Indonesia. Dia kembali menjalankan kerja-kerja membaiki alat elektrik di rumahnya. Setiap hari dia akan menaiki motor roda tiga mencari pelanggan di sekitar kawasan kediamannya.

“Pendapatan memang kurang apabila melakukan kerja membaiki barangan elektrik di rumah. Tapi, cukuplah apa adanya. Awal 2018, permulaan baik untuk saya. Saya menerima tawaran mengikuti kursus latihan membaiki alatan elektrik yang lebih menjurus kepada alatan kegunaan rumah seperti periuk nasi, televisyen, kipas, mesin pengisar dan banyak lagi oleh Islamic Relief,” jelas Syamberli dengan wajah ceria.

Pada awalnya, Syamberli merasa tidak percaya di atas tawaran yang diberikan memandangkan usianya yang sudah lanjut. Namun, pegawai Islamic Relief yang membawa khabar baik itu menjelaskan bantuan Islamic Relief sangat menyeluruh dan tidak pernah meletakkan apa-apa perbezaan sebagai halangan sekiranya penerima manfaat benar-benar layak.

“Para peserta OKU yang terpilih dalam bantuan latihan fasa pertama ini terdiri daripada penduduk yang terjejas dalam bencana gempa bumi penghujung tahun 2016 dan yang tidak terjejas tetapi turut dihimpit kemiskinan,” kata Zairulshahfuddin Zainal Abidin, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Islamic Relief Malaysia.

Bantuan kursus latihan yang diterima oleh Syamberli adalah hasil tajaan Maybank Islamic Berhad di bawah projek Livelihood Recovery For Disable People (LIRE4D). Seramai 100 peserta telah mengikuti latihan ini sebagai usaha untuk membantu mengupayakan golongan Orang Kelainan Upaya (OKU) Pidie Jaya, Acheh.

“Maybank Islamic memang sudah lama terlibat dalam kerja-kerja kemanusiaan seperti ini. Kami menitikberatkan tanggungjawab maqasid syariah dalam melaksanakan kerja-kerja kemanusiaan untuk membantu golongan memerlukan,” kata Zainal Abidin Jamal, Pengerusi Maybank Islamic Berhad.

Terdapat 4 kursus latihan yang ditawarkan untuk golongan OKU iaitu menjahit, kraftangan, asas elektronik dan perusahaan penanaman cendawan tiram.

“Saya ingin mengucapkan ribuan terima kasih kepada Maybank Islamic Berhad, Islamic Relief Malaysia dan Indonesia atas sokongan bantuan yang diberikan. Saya berharap dapat membuka kiosk kembali untuk menambah pendapatan keluarga,” kata Syamberli.

Islamic Relief dan Maybank Islamic Berhad mendoakan agar impian setiap penerima manfaat yang mengikuti kursus ini tercapai seterusnya kemahiran yang dipelajari dapat dimanfaatkan sebaik mungkin dan dikongsi bersama untuk pembangunan ekonomi penduduk setempat.