Health checks for villagers

SEMPORNA: SEVERAL kidnapping cases will not deter a group of volunteers from serving the underprivileged here.

A three-day humanitarian aid programme which starts on Aug 22 will see volunteers, mostly from Peninsular Malaysia, helping Pulau Selakan villagers.

Dr Muhammad Naim Ab Razak, who works at Lahad Datu Hospital, said he was glad to be part of the programme.

“On our part, we will provide basic medical screening and treatment. Most of the villagers are fishermen and seaweed farmers who hardly visit the hospital, as the travelling is costly,” he said, adding that villagers had to board pump boats to reach the district hospital here.

He said he often joined small-scale community services on his rest days, as it was similar to what he *(aspired to do) had done in war zones.

Volunteers include 30 doctors and dentists from Lahad Datu Hospital and clinic, as well as members from non-governmental organisations, the homestay association and dive agencies.

Dr Naim said besides medical services, volunteers would source and build wells for the villagers as they were harvesting rainwater.

Other activities that would benefit the villagers include gotong- royong, and religious and career talks.

Another volunteer, Aminor Azmi from Kuala Lumpur, has been bringing in tourists here since 2009.

He is hoping to revive the economy via engaging them in the tourism industry.

“Semporna is still a safe place as long as visitors adhere to guidelines,” he said.

“During the implementation of the programme, participants will have to register with the authorities, bring less cash, form sentry group with the locals and limit their movements after 7pm.”

350 villagers at Pulau Selakan off Semporna.

Dr Naim (right) doing circumcision for one of the children at Pulau Selakan.