Bangkok's landmark Grand Palace is seen flooded October 27, 2011. The floods are expected to take a toll on Thailand's tourism industry, which employs more than 2 million people and makes up 6 percent of GDP. -REUTERS/Bazuki Muhammad - 27 October, 2011
ST John Ambulance Malaysia’s (SJAM) Penang branch is initiating a project to assist disaster relief efforts for flood victims in Thailand.
SJAM state commander Datuk Dr Yee Thiam Sun said the project, named ‘Humanitarian Mission for Thailand’, was carried out in response to instructions given by the Prime Minister’s Department.
“We are ordered by the department to be the main coordinator in the northern region to gather resources from various NGOs and charity organisations here to help Thailand,” he said.
He said a centre would be set up at SJAM Penang headquarters on Grove Road to collect items that meet the immediate needs of flood victims.
Yee said items needed are first aid kits, survival kits, drinking water, life jackets, camping lamps, flashlights, mosquito repellent, mosquito nets, rowing boats, rafts, tents, rubber boots, effective microorganism (EM), water pumps, electricity generators, drinking water supply mobile units, drinking water tanks and mobile toilets.
“We need help from the public. They are welcome to bring the items to the collecting centre during office hours, which is from 9am to 5pm,” he told a press conference in George Town.
He added that SJAM would like to recruit volunteers for a trip to Bangkok for disaster relief and restoration works.
“We have yet to finalise the time to go there, it depends on the coordination with the Thai government,” he said.
Thai consul-general Voradet Viravakin, who was also at the press conference, said he appreciated SJAM’s offer to help Thailand battle the worst floods in 50 years.
For item contribution and volunteer recruitment, call SJAM Penang on 04-8285972 during office hours.
Donations can be deposited into SJAM’s savings account at Public Bank Berhad. The account number is 3170193000.
