By Linda Khoo Hui Li
BANGKOK, Dec 30 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (MTCC) is to raise funds for the Centre for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC), to help support the post-flood rebuilding efforts.
MTCC Chairwoman Dr Hwee Khim Boo said the initiative involved almost 800 households impacted by severe flooding, mainly in the states of Selangor and Negeri Sembilan in Malaysia.
“The flood is devastating and we are just doing our part to help what we can. MTCC is one organisation which leads this effort in Thailand. We hope to get support here,” she told Bernama Thursday.
COAC was established in 1989 to advance the cause of the Orang Asli (indigenous people) whether via the greater dissemination of Orang Asli news and views, assisting in court cases involving Orang Asli rights or in developing arguments for lobbying and advocacy work.
The fundraising has been initiated by Yap Lu Ying of MTCC’s Publications and CSR Committee.
Yap said being overseas and seeing the (flood) situation suffered by the victims back home prompted her to do something to help.
“I contacted a friend who is on site with COAC helping the flood victims. COAC mentioned that while food donation is sufficient, post-flood recovery is important for the villagers.
“Therefore, I suggested to MTCC Chairwoman (Dr Hwee) to help raise fund for COAC,” said Yap, who is a volunteer of Raleigh International, a youth-driven organisation supporting a global movement of young people to take action, since 2008.
She added that funds raised among others would be used to purchase mattress, blanket and pillows.
“If we can raise more fund, we will provide aid and assistance including electronic appliances such as rice cookers and stoves,” she said.
— NNN-BERNAMA
