AMID the extended lockdown and its restrictions, we have witnessed many deaths.
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected different aspects of our lives – from the state of our mental health to the loss of jobs, and some have even reached a point where they can no longer afford to support their family.
It has forced small enterprises to shut, families to say goodbye to loved ones, and health institutions to the brink of collapse due to the climb in daily Covid-19 cases. To make things worse, the country has to face the turmoil caused by its politicians, which has caused anger, fatigue and frustration among the people.
Thus, in this time of crisis, empathy and kindness are the traits that should be embraced by all.
There is no denying that this health crisis has affected many across the globe, as reported by the World Health Organisation, and that includes our country, Malaysia, where it has severely affected lower- and middle-income families. The lockdown is also pushing people to their limit, thus the rise in domestic abuse and suicide. Most could not even afford to buy basic necessities to support their family.
Online, we see Malaysians venting their frustrations at the authorities’ decisions, especially in handling the Covid-19 crisis. The fact that the politicians are turning a blind eye and continuously fighting among themselves to stay in power is absurd. This just goes to show that they lack empathy and kindness, and are extremely insensitive and tone-deaf.
It is no longer a surprise that the ones who have to suffer in silence are the poor and hungry people.
By the people, for the people
The rakyat, who are in dire straits, resort to an online campaign to help one another – the #benderaputih (white flag) campaign. This movement aims to reach out to the less fortunate by providing them aid in the form of hunger or hygiene kits, or any kind of assistance amid the worsening health and economic crisis.
The spirit of checking in on our neighbours nationwide is truly an overwhelming and heart-warming effort, one that provides financial, mental, or physical support to the vulnerable. Many individuals, agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have heed the call and worked together in supporting the campaign by giving aid to those in need during these trying times.
However, some criticisms and irresponsible statements have been made by public figures, especially politicians, when the campaign first started.
These negative comments, among others, claim that raising a white flag is a sign of defeat or loss, and that it is not our religious practice to admit defeat. They are uncalled, for but the rakyat did not back down. Instead, they stood their ground and continued to create awareness and support each other, even if it is a small gesture of sharing meals and checking up on one another to ensure everyone is safe.
In Negri Sembilan, we initiated a campaign of our own called #WaghihBantuWaghih to help raise as much funds as we could to help those in need. It is an initiative done by strong-willed individuals to support those in need regardless of race and religion, especially in the state. To this date, we have collected RM5,280.80.
This initiative has many backers, including NGOs and social enterprises like the BagiBALIK Movement, GAP Malaysia, Happy Bank Crew Project, OrphanCare Foundation, Putra Centre for Social Studies, Tanah Aina Cafe and Tokey.my.
As of today, the #WaghihBantuWaghih team has distributed 105 boxes of hunger kits and 10 boxes of hygiene kits to beneficiaries. Some contacted us directly, while others raised their white flag. The team has also received messages asking for help from those in other states like Melaka, Johor and Sabah. In the spirit of helping out, we have forwarded these messages to NGOs or individuals in the respective states.
Currently, we are actively fundraising and sending help to those in need. If you are looking to or seeking for help, do not hesitate to reach out to @diniefadil on Instagram.
During this campaign, we have come across many extremely sad, including people who refuse to raise the white flag for fear of a fine or warning from the authorities. But, what else can they do to sustain their family? This is a lifeline for them. It is a need for them to seek help during the lockdown, as only a few essential sectors are allowed to operate to reduce the number of Covid-19 cases.
Ironically, since the lockdown extension announcement, the number of daily cases has significantly surged to almost 10,000 yesterday. The least the rakyat can do to survive is to lean on one another, hence the #benderaputih campaign.
Ultimately, the act of empathy and kindness definitely matters. As the people, we must move forward and have each other’s backs at all times. If you cannot help in terms of money, help by checking in on your family and friends, or saying “hello” to your neighbours to ensure they are all doing okay.
Getting help is definitely important, #ReachOutMalaysians to NGOs and individuals that are offering aid and assistance. If you are reading this and think this could help the people around you, please let them know, because supporting each other now is what matters most.
We will all get through this and win the battle together.
Other than #WaghihBantuWaghih, here are other #KitaJagaKita, #RakyatJagaRakyat or #benderaputih initiatives by individuals, NGOs, and the community:
- Putra Centre for Social Studies gives out hunger and hygiene kits for those in need, especially in the Klang Valley (The Fweestüff Project);
- Happy Bank Crew Project gives out food aid under the #TengokJiranKita initiative, and mental health support under the “Minda over Matter” initiative;
- HungerHurts Malaysia’s #onemeal gives out aid and food to those in need;
- We Listen Malaysia runs an ongoing campaign to deliver packages worth RM50 to RM100 each to affected B40 and M40 families and individuals; and,
- Women Girls shares meals via its “Pay It Forward” initiative in collaboration with Groove Grocer.
Lastly, you can always check out this link for more aid information! – The Vibes, July 12, 2021
Dinie Fadil is founder of Tokey Social Enterprise, and can be found at @tokeyfnb_ on Instagram
