MCO: NGOs in Sabah reaching out to communities in need

A volunteer distributed good to hardcore poor villagers including stateless people. NSTP/ courtesy of HUGS project.

By Olivia Miwil - April 12, 2020 @ 11:57am

SEMPORNA: Several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Sabah are going the extra mile to ensure that mothers and young children – even non-citizens – are getting necessary assistance amid the Movement Control Order (MCO).

HUGS Project founder Laili Basir said he has been working with local NGOs in Semporna, Sandakan, Kota Belud, Balambangan island in Kudat and Kota Kinabalu to reach out to those affected by the MCO.

“Different places in the state have different issues (on not getting aid from the government). (They face issues of) unreachability and citizenship.

“For us, as long as they are human, we will help them. Whether they are Malaysian, Bajau Laut, stateless or foreign workers, from all races and religions, there will be no favouritism,” he told the New Straits Times.

Laili said that the mission focuses on distributing milk and diapers to mothers, as well as food aid to those who have yet to receive it.

The HUGS Project crowdfunded RM30,000, which was used to help more than 500 households throughout the state since April 3.

“Our limited number of volunteers will either send the aid to the recipients’ houses personally, or place them at a donation centre.

“We ensure that our movement complies with recommendations on social distancing and we wear masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” he added.

In Papar, another NGO, Sharity of Hope, has also been receiving messages from people in need of aid.

Its president, Audrey Koh, said within 24 hours, she collected a list of about 28 people who needed help.

“The more messages I get, the more I realise that there are so many in need.

“For example, there are so many young single mothers who did not get anything from their ex-husbands; and a grandfather with 16 people under his care,” she said.

Her NGO also focuses on assisting senior citizens and single mothers.

Koh added that to date, they have helped seven households in Putatan comprising many foreigners. Other areas of focus have been Sepanggar, Keningau and Papar.

“Individuals donated to us and we try to distribute at least RM80 per family, including milk,” she said.

Those who would like to donate may contact HUGS Project via Laili Basir on Facebook and Audrey at 0168451270.