Malaysia

Student recounts turning to social media for help after hostel flooded

This ranges from finding free shelter at private hospital to receiving support from university

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 02 Jan 2022 8:00AM

Student recounts turning to social media for help after hostel flooded
23-year-old Management and Science University student Tan Siew Yi says the university has been keeping tabs on its students and their welfare, even creating WhatsApp groups for each hostel block affected by the floods. – Pic courtesy of Tan Siew Yi, January 2, 2022

by Zaidatul Syreen Abdul Rashid

SHAH ALAM – Like many Klang Valley residents left stranded by the recent floods, Section 13 resident Tan Siew Yi turned to social media for help. 

The 23-year-old Management and Science University student was working at IPC Shopping Centre when the disaster struck. 

“I was at IPC when my housemate informed me that Shah Alam was flooded and I had to find shelter elsewhere as going back to our hostel was not an option,” he told The Vibes. 

Tan Siew Yi says he was at IPC when his housemate informed him that Shah Alam was flooded and he had to find shelter elsewhere as going back to their hostel was not an option. – Pic courtesy of Tan Siew Yi, January 2, 2022
Tan Siew Yi says he was at IPC when his housemate informed him that Shah Alam was flooded and he had to find shelter elsewhere as going back to their hostel was not an option. – Pic courtesy of Tan Siew Yi, January 2, 2022

“I started to look for options and stumbled on Twitter that Thomson Hospital in Kota Damansara offered shelter without charges. 

“I was sceptical at first because this is a private hospital. How can it be free? But yes, it is free!” 

Thomson Hospital opened its doors to flood victims and provides victims with free meals three times a day. 

Meanwhile, the university, he said, has been keeping tabs on its students and their welfare.

My university took the initiative to create a WhatsApp group for each block of the hostel.  Not only to update on our hostel condition, or Shah Alam’s vicinity situation, they will also keep us informed of food donations coming daily for those stranded in our hostel. 

Management and Science University student Tan Siew Yi says the university will also keep students informed of food donations coming daily for those stranded in their hostel. – Pic courtesy of Tan Siew Yi, January 2, 2022
Management and Science University student Tan Siew Yi says the university will also keep students informed of food donations coming daily for those stranded in their hostel. – Pic courtesy of Tan Siew Yi, January 2, 2022

“Other than that, through this group, some of my university mates managed to share videos of their situation.”

He said the seven-level basement parking was submerged by flood, resulting in power cuts for the hostel.

“We were told that it will take two to three weeks to get the basement dried up completely before the owners are allowed to inspect and ascertain the damages to their vehicles.”

One of Section 13 resident Tan Siew Yi’s university mates, @julia_batrisha’s hostel flood updates via Instagram story. – Pic courtesy of Tan Siew Yi, January 2, 2022
One of Section 13 resident Tan Siew Yi’s university mates, @julia_batrisha’s hostel flood updates via Instagram story. – Pic courtesy of Tan Siew Yi, January 2, 2022

He also praised the first responders for the help they rendered to those stuck at his hostel. – The Vibes, January 2, 2022

Related News

Malaysia / 1d

Najib fund draws questions for UMNO as UM student faces online threat

Malaysia / 6d

19-year-old charged with murdering student in Kuantan

Malaysia / 1w

Budget 2027: FlySiswa subsidy raised to RM500 to ease burden on public university students

Malaysia / 1w

Do not hide school safety issues to protect reputation - IGP

Malaysia / 1w

Irene’s only focus was her studies and her dream to become a doctor - aunt

Malaysia / 2w

Irene Sofiya had wanted to become a doctor like her late mother

Spotlight

Malaysia

Bersama suspends Nik Nazmi from party activities for three months

Malaysia

‘We have better things to do than orchestrate khalwat raids’ - Amirudin

Malaysia

Social media posts ‘emerge’- defending Ismail after Tuanku Muhriz’s public rebuke

World

Trump’s Muhammad joke about Iran presidency falls flat at Georgia rally

Health

Haze can cause life-threatening lung inflammation in cats and dogs, vet warns

World

Australia detects deadly H5N1 bird flu on Macquarie Island, threatening elephant seals

Malaysia

Agong warns against using social media to spread hatred, insult others

Malaysia

Nik Nazmi acknowledges he is the individual detained by JAIS

You may be interested

Malaysia

Sabah seeks immediate payment of undisputed 40% revenue claim from 2022

Malaysia

Social media posts ‘emerge’- defending Ismail after Tuanku Muhriz’s public rebuke

Malaysia

Malaysia’s baby bust: A silent crisis threatening the nation’s future prosperity

Malaysia

Target employers and corrupt networks, not just illegal migrants at 224 hotspots - MCW

Malaysia

Suspicion over fake accounts defending Ismail after royal rebuke

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Policeman seriously injured in machete attack during anti-drug raid in Kelantan

Malaysia

Cannabis haul seized in Thailand could fetch RM1.96m in Malaysia

Malaysia

Thai arrests expose organised networks funneling migrants into Malaysia