Materia Medica Malaysiana

MRCS Contributes US$10,000 To Indonesian Red Cross

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS), Tuesday contributed US$10,000 (RM38,000) from its Relief Fund to the Indonesian Red Cross now in urgent need of financial assistance as it scrambles to help thousands of victims of Sunday's earthquake and tsunami in Acheh.
MRCS national vice-chairman Wan Azhar Wan Ali said the society was responding to an appeal by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for funds to support international relief operations in Southeast Asian countries affected by the tidal waves.
"The appeal for 7.5 million Swiss Francs is to assist some 500,000 people affected in the region," Wan Azhar said at a news conference and cheque presentation here.
The cheque was presented by Wan Azhar to the deputy Indonesian ambassador here, A.M.Fachir.
Wan Azhar said MRCS's first relief team left for Acheh at 9.30am,Tuesday.
The five-member medical and relief team comprising a doctor and four relief and reporting officers was sent to Acheh to work with the Indonesian Red Cross Society to bring relief and assistance to the victims, he said.
A second five-member team would leave for Acheh, Tuesday afternoon.
He said that at home, the MRCS had mobilised teams in the affected states of Penang, Perlis, Kedah and Perak to assist the local authorities in search and rescue, relief and tracing operations.
The MRCS is also appealing to members of the public, private companies and organisations for contributions towards the MRCS Relief Fund set up to provide financial and relief assistance to victims.
Direct contributions, which are tax-exempted, to the campaign jointly organised with the National Press Club, can be sent to the MRCS National Headquarters at 32, Jalan Nipah Off Jalan Ampang, 55000 Kuala Lumpur.
Those wishing to contribute through the Media Appeal are requested to send their cheque, money order or postal order, marked "Tidal Waves Appeal" at the back of the cheque to be directed accordingly.
Further information and assistance can be obtained by calling MRCS at 03-4257 8122.