Aid for Myanmar quake victims
Kong (fourth from left) handing over a mock cheque to Tzu Chi Kuala Lumpur and Selangor deputy chief executive officer Puan Sri Tong Siew Bee. Also present are NV Foundation vice-chairman Tan Kean Huat (second from left), Kong's wife Puan Sri Tan Poh Hwa (third from left) and Tzu Chi volunteers.
Following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, several companies have stepped up to provide disaster relief aid.
The latest is Nirvana Asia Group, Asia's largest integrated bereavement care provider, which handed over a RM1mil donation to Tzu Chi Foundation Malaysia.
Among post-disaster recovery efforts that the aid will fund are emergency medical aid, temporary shelters for displaced victims, and basic necessities such as food, clean water and clothing.
The funds will also help with repairs to damaged infrastructure, and long-term community rebuilding efforts that include psychological counselling.
Tzu Chi has long upheld the spirit of 'treating other's suffering as one's own.'
It provides cross-border humanitarian aid regardless of nationality, race and religion.
In every major disaster around the world, Tzu Chi volunteers are known for their swift response.
They offer medical relief, supplies and emotional support.
Since March 30, Tzu Chi teams have been on the ground in Myanmar.
In partnership with the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD), the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur chapters of the foundation had delivered essential items to quake survivors.
These included safe drinking water, 160 emergency beds, blankets, face masks, and gloves.
Additionally, Tzu Chi has implemented cash-for-work initiatives to support affected locals and monks in constructing temporary zinc-roofed shelters for those who were left homeless by the disaster.
Nirvana Asia founder and executive chairman Tan Sri Kong Hon Kong expressed his confidence in Tzu Chi's well-established humanitarian relief system.
The group's donation to the foundation had been forefront on Kong's mind upon his learning of the quake.
'No matter the disaster, Tzu Chi volunteers are always on the front lines.
'Regardless of challenges, even when food and shelter are lacking, we still see their dedication in bringing hope to survivors,' he said.
Kong believes that Tzu Chi will ensure this donation is used effectively, delivering targeted aid and spiritual comfort to disaster victims.
He expressed the group's firm belief that the funds would be maximised in both material and spiritual assistance.
'In the face of tragedy, we cannot stand idly by.
'Every disaster reminds us –compassion should transcend borders,' he added.
Kong said that since Nirvana Asia's establishment 35 years ago, it has consistently extended help in times of crises.
The company's efforts, he said, had included over RM10mil in aid following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal in 2015, RM8mil worth in medical equipment and food provisions during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, and RM500,000 for flood relief efforts in Sarawak last year.
'Beyond disaster relief, Nirvana Asia has been a consistent supporter of charitable causes, educational institutions, and social welfare efforts.
'Nirvana Asia will continue to monitor global disasters, uphold humanitarian values and fulfil our corporate social responsibility of providing tangible assistance to those in need,' said Kong.
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