Volunteers from Hugs Project are sending food packs to high-risk areas in Semporna (Photo: Laili Basir)
Sabah, the Land Below the Wind, is better known for its pristine waters, powdery white beaches and stunning nature trails. However, as of late, the sudden surge of cases have made it a Covid-19 hotspot, registering cases in three-digits daily as of writing. According to Partners of Community Organizations in Sabah (PACOS), the state is home to over 40 different indigenous tribes, most of which are part of rural and underserved communities. The shortage of food and medical supplies coupled with inaccessible roads make the situation that much dire. As such, those who are live in remote areas are getting hit the hardest.
Several organisations have stepped up to offer their support by collecting funds, donations, food supplies and medical equipment for the needy. If you're looking for ways to contribute, here are 10 initiatives to get you started.
Imaret x Fashion Valet x kitafund
After a successful first collaboration with Fashion Valet, Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia Response and Relief Team (IMARET Malaysia) is once again partnering with the retail company to raise funds to support frontliners who are combating the third wave of Covid-19. IMARET will be deploying its team to Sabah, and the funds will be used to assist medical volunteers as well as provide medical and general supplies such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), test kits and vital sign monitors.
Donate via kitafund here.
MERCY Malaysia
In response to the critical shortage of medical assistance and equipment in Sabah, MERCY Malaysia will channel the donations from its Covid-19 Pandemic Fund to set up testing centers across some of its most-affected areas. They are also mobilising a group of medical volunteers from West Malaysia to assist the local health clinics in conducting Covid-19 screenings. The funds collected will be used to supply medical equipment such as test kits, medical masks and PPE to agencies in need as well as hygiene kits and food packs to affected communities.
There are plans to send medical teams to Sabah every week until end of the year. The organisation is asking for willing professionals, especially doctors, nurses, medical officers, medical assistants, lab technicians, radiographers and specialists in internal medicine, anaesthesia and emergency medicine, to volunteer. Each team will be on duty for two weeks and undergo a two-week quarantine upon return, with accommodation and meal costs covered. Interested parties may contact Ain at 0193140769 for more info.
Donate to Mercy Malaysia’s Covid-19 Pandemic Fund here.
Malaysian Relief Agency Sabah
Malaysian Relief Agency Sabah (MRA Sabah) has launched its OPS Covid-19 2.0 fund to assist frontliners, volunteers and affected communities. Besides giving out food packs to underprivileged communities in rural areas, they're also collaborating with local health clinics to carry out Covid-19 screening for free. The funds collected will facilitate the distribution of essential products and services which include PPE, medicine and medical assistance across Sabah.
Donate Malaysian Relief Agency (Sabah) via Maybank at 560241021056.
MUDA x Persatuan Tunas Usahawan Sabah
Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) responds to the recent outbreak by partnering Persatuan Tunas Usahawan Sabah (PANTAS) to raise funds for the people of Semporna. The aid extends to the high-risk group, which includes children who are vulnerable to the virus. The donations will be used to provide food supplies, child care kits and hygiene kits such as clinical wipes and sanitisers.
Donate to Persatuan Tunas Usahawan Sabah via Maybank at 510107663490.
Semporna Heroes
Semporna Heroes is liaising with AirAsia to coordinate transportation to send essential items collected from West Malaysia to Semporna. As the condition has worsened in many other districts, they hope to extend their outreach beyond the town. The organisation is providing sanitisation services for ambulances besides collecting general donations from pharmacies and restaurants around the area. All the funds collected will be used to purchase food and medical supplies to assist the frontliners and needed communities.
Donate to Jamilah Ang Kher Lern, co founder of Semporna Heroes via Maybank at 110041031188 and state 'For Covid-19'.
Hugs Project Malaysia
Hugs Project, which stands for Helping Unfortunate Groups and Society, is on a mission to supply formula milk to children affected in Semporna. With inroads and movement into Semporna restricted by local authorities, the affected communities have little to no means to access this vital commodity for their children.
Donate to Hugs Project Semporna via Maybank Berhad at 162384980854 to Nirmah Majinji or contact Nirmah Majinji at 016-588 0331 for more info.
HanaFundMe
Angie Chin of HanaFundMe, a niche crowdfunding platform to support women start-ups, projects, causes and missions, is raising funds to procure PPE supplies for frontliners at the hospitals in Sabah. Since PPE supplies are disposable, at least 300 to 600 pieces of these items are used in a day. Frontliners are in constant need of huge quantities and hospitals are in dire straits as they're constantly running out of PPE supplies. The PPE items will be sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital as it is the main receiving hub in Sabah. With a funding goal of RM50,000, the campaign needs your help to make it a success.
You can back this campaign here.
Setia Bakti Anak Sabah
Setia Bakti Anak Sabah seeks to give food aid and other necessities to affected and underprivileged families. With a goal of helping 100 families and a budget of RM50 per family, the NGO provides essential items such as eggs, flour, rice, sugar and cooking oil.
Donations can be made via CIMB Bank at 7632622844 to Irwanshah Mustapa. Learn more about the donation drive here.
Happy Bank Crew
Happy Bank Crew are helping disadvantaged communities in Sabah despite a mountain of challenges, yet they soldier on because their motto of “0% interest and 100% happiness”. For instance, the NGO is committed to providing food aid to people and their impoverished families who earn a living on a day by day basis. To date, the group has helped many people in Sabah, from those in Tawau, to Semporna, Kota Marudu and even to remote villages where help nor any form of aid has ever been given since the implementation of the MCO in March.
Donate to Happy Crew Project via Maybank Berhad at 568621000906.
Tawaukini Media Solution
Tawaukini Media Solution and eight other organisations such as Team Salam, Ikatan Anak Muda Tawau, and Sweet Sisters have teamed up to run a donation drive. Their purpose is to provide food and drinks for 300 people, supply 300 PPE suits for frontliners, as well as give monetary aid to destitute inhabitants of Tawau. The group aims to collect RM16,500 in order for the project to be successful.
Donate to Tawaukini Media Solution through CIMB Bank at 8604072340.
