Keep the donation momentum going

V.K. Chin, The Star, Asia News Network, Selangor, Malaysia

As expected, Malaysians have responded magnificently to appeals to raise money for the victims of the Dec. 26 tsunami disaster. In a matter of days, they have donated millions of ringgit.

As usual, the mainstream media, without any prompting, set up their own funds to collect money to help the family members of those who were killed or injured.

It has in fact become a sort of culture for the media to play a prominent role in such campaigns. It was almost second nature for them to use their organizations as the rallying points for such purposes.

The response, as expected, was tremendous as Malaysians from all walks of life, from corporations to individuals, never hesitated to do their bit. The people have never failed to donate and they have demonstrated this kindness over the years.

They have contributed tens of millions to help foreign victims of famines or disasters even though they might have been caused by their own politicians who seemed bent on destroying their opponents without any regard for the suffering of their peoples.

When such a disaster happened so close to home, we would expect them to rise to the occasion and they had so far not been a disappointment.

The government too was quick to come to the aid of the victims by providing a special compassionate allowance based on their requirements and circumstances.

Obviously, the government cannot carry out this task alone and needs public help to do so. The government has pointed out that its cash contribution was a one-off payment and that there would be no compensation.

This is where the media, non-governmental organizations, corporations and individuals can come in to relieve the suffering of the victims.

While we mourn for the dead, we also need to help the survivors so that they will be able to overcome their present difficulties. They will need lots of financial assistance to get on their feet again.

It has been estimated that the losses would amount to RM100 million. This is only an estimate and the final figure could be higher.

The public will have to meet the shortfall and based on the donations so far, it is likely that donations could meet this figure halfway. Therefore, it is important for the public to continue donating money.