Maybank Foundation signs RM400,000 pact with Mercy Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: The Maybank Foundation has contributed RM400,000 to Mercy Malaysia as part of a joint humanitarian partnership to assist flood victims in Kelantan, among others.
Speaking at a ceremony to sign the partnership, Mercy Malaysia president Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Ahmad Perdaus announced that RM200,000 will be used for the reconstruction of a surau in Kuala Krai.
"Physical aid, although of great importance, should not override emotional and spiritual needs," said Ahmad Faizal.
He placed emphasis on emotional and spiritual aid as a vital factor in psychosocial rehabilitation, particularly in Kelantan where religion is integral to the daily lives of its people.
Remarking on the frenzied response to the floods, Ahmad Faizal said the sudden climatic change had caught everyone by surprise.
"We were on site from Dec 15 onwards, and relief efforts were stable and under control at the time," he said, adding that the situation worsened by Dec 24.
"I hope this disaster will motivate (everyone) to undertake sustainable and eco-friendly development.
Foundation chief executive officer Shahril Azuar Jimin said the other RM200,000 will be donated to the Nasunugan Elementary School in Ormoc, Philippines, to aid their ongoing recovery from the devastating effects of super Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013.
"We felt Nasunugan Elementary needed special assistance, and our collaboration would further expand the humanitarian aid provided."
Shahril stated the contribution to Mercy Malaysia marks the beginning of their agreement with the non-governmental organisation, where RM1 million will be donated annually over a period of three years.