From 4-wheel to humanitarian drive, Sabah truck enthusiasts do their bit

KOTA KINABALU – They may be just average Joes who share a fondness for four-wheel drives, but they certainly have a big heart.

Moved by news reports on people forced to go hungry, or even driven to suicide, during the Covid-19 pandemic, a group from the Ford Ranger Owners’ Club Borneo Region took it upon themselves to help in whatever way they can.

Engineer Benny Romee, a member of the group, said they initially wanted to help those flying the white flag indicating they need aid, but barely anyone raised the flag in urban areas.

“We came across an advertisement from NGOs in the papers, and we decided to give them a call,” said the 37-year-old.

“From there, we obtained a list of individuals who are in need, and we started organising with others in the group.

“From that list, the number of those in dire need of aid just kept growing.”

They began distributing food aid earlier this month. The unique part of their effort is that the funds to buy the goods are pooled from all 40 members of the group.

Benny said they raised about RM6,000 over the first weekend. The next day, they started buying items, including packets of rice, and began distributing food baskets.

“Each food basket is worth RM50, so we were able to put together some 120 baskets.

“But, we are only able to hand out the aid to needy folk in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang and Putatan districts,” he said, adding that their funds are quickly depleting.

Fellow group member, Julius Sidin, 43, said the assistance will go to those on the list obtained from NGOs, as food baskets from the government are only for individuals listed under e-Kasih and the hardcore poor.

We don’t choose. The aid will be given to locals, and also migrant workers, whether they have documents or not.

“This is humanitarian work. We don’t want to be political or selective about the aid,” said the engineer. 

As the group members have work commitments, he said, the aid distribution is done only after work hours.

The group is among the Sabah movements and civil society organisations, such as the state Red Crescent Society, that extend help to both citizens and migrants desperate for food and basic items.

Benny and Julius, together with the rest of the group, have been involved in numerous humanitarian efforts. Previously, they sent aid to flood victims in Beaufort, Penampang and Papar.

Benny said the group welcomes any form of support. He can be contacted at 019-5335-003, while Julius is reachable at 013-8565-566. – The Vibes, August 29, 2021