LETTER | Kindness, empathy crucial in times of crisis

LETTER | Given the extended lockdown restrictions, we have witnessed many deaths. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected different aspects of our lives - from the state of our mental health to us losing our jobs until some of us reached the point that we can no longer afford to support our loved ones. In some cases, small enterprise sectors are forced to close down. 

Many have lost their loved ones due to this deadly virus, and our health institutions are slowly collapsing and struggling to handle the rising cases daily. To make things worse, the country has to face the biggest turmoil caused by our politicians which causes fatigue, anger, and frustration among the rakyat. Thus, in this time of crisis, kindness and empathy are the traits to be embraced by all.

As we can see online, many Malaysians today have thrown their frustrations at the decisions made by the authorities especially in handling the Covid-19 crisis. The fact that the politicians are turning a blind eye and continuously fighting among themselves to stay in power is just absurd. This just goes to show that the politicians lack empathy and kindness and are extremely insensitive and tone-deaf. It’s no longer surprising that the ones who have to suffer in silence are the poor and hungry rakyat.

So, the rakyat in dire straits resorts to doing an online campaign to help one another - the “#BenderaPutih” (White Flag) campaign. This campaign was started by the rakyat to reach out to the less fortunate community that needs help by giving them aid in the form of hunger kits, hygiene kits, or any kind of assistance in light of the worsening Covid-19 health and economic crisis. 

The spirit of checking in on our neighbours across the entire country is truly an overwhelming and heart-warming effort in order to give support financially, mentally, or physically to the vulnerable. Many individuals, NGOs, and agencies have reacted and worked together in supporting the initiatives by giving aid to those in need during these trying times.

Some criticisms and irresponsible statements were definitely made by some figures especially politicians when the #BenderaPutih campaign first started. Some of them include them saying that raising white flags is a sign of defeat or loss and that it is not our religious practice. Those statements were definitely uncalled for but the rakyat did not show signs of backing down. Instead, the rakyat stood their ground and continued creating awareness and supporting each other even if it was just a small gesture of sharing meals and checking up on each other to ensure everyone is safe.

In Negeri Sembilan, we initiated a campaign of our own called #WaghihBantuWaghih to help fundraise as much as we could to help those in need around here. It is an initiative done by strong-willed individuals to support those in need regardless of race and religion, especially in Negeri Sembilan. To this date, we have collected a total of RM5,280.80. This initiative has been supported by many including NGOs and social enterprises namely GAP Malaysia, Tokey, The BagiBALIK Movement, Putra Centre for Social Studies, Happy Bank Crew, Tanah Aina Cafe, and OrphanCare Foundation.

There are many heart-wrenching stories that we have come across while doing this campaign. This includes some of them who are afraid to raise the white flags and worried if they will get “warned” or “fined” by the authorities. But, what else can they do to sustain their families? This is definitely a lifeline for them to ask for help during the lockdown as not many companies are open and only a few essential sectors can operate in order to reduce the number of Covid-19 cases.

Ultimately, acts of empathy and kindness definitely matter, especially during these hard times. As the rakyat, we must move forward and have each other’s back at all times. Even if you can't help in terms of cash, you can always do simple gestures like checking in on your family and friends and saying “hello” to your neighbours in order to ensure they are all doing okay. 

Below here are some of the #RakyatJagaRakyat or #BenderaPutih or #KitaJagaKita initiatives done by the community, individuals, and non-governmental organisations:

1. Putra Centre for Social Studies - Giving hunger and hygiene kits for those in need in especially Klang Valley (The Fweestüff Project).

2. Happy Bank Crew - Giving food aids under #TengokJiranKita initiative and mental health support under the “Minda Over Matter” initiative.

3. We Listen Malaysia - Running an ongoing campaign to deliver packages worth RM50 to RM100 each to affected B40 and M40 families and individuals according to their needs.

4. HungerHurts Malaysia - #OneMeal by giving aids and food to those in need.

5. Women Girls - “Pay It Forward” initiative in collaboration with Groove Grocer to share the meal.

Check out this link for more aid information.