In response to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Emergency Appeal for 20,076,412 million Swiss Francs (19,304,242 million USD) which was launched on 15 May 2008, the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC), appeals to the generous Malaysians to donate to the MRCS Relief Fund to alleviate the sufferings of victims of the China – Sichuan Earthquake.

As a partner in the Movement, the MRC donated USD10, 000 to the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC), as an immediate response to the appeal.   

The Malaysian Red Crescent immediate response is to be part of the Government team and will be leaving for China at anytime from now. The team members will lead by En. Azmi bin Tajuddin with 3 members namely:

•    En. Mohd Hanafiah bin Md Arib
•    En. Hassim bin Mohd Noor
•    Puan Lim Mei Chin

The Situation

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the south-western province of Sichuan in China, the worst to hit China in 30 years. As of 15 May, the ministry of civil affairs reports more than 50,000 people killed, more than 26,000 people injured, around 30,000 people buried and 10,000 people missing. It is feared that final casualty figures will be much higher. Current figures indicate that approximately four million homes have been destroyed or badly damaged in Sichuan, and seven other affected provinces and municipalities including Gansu, Shaanxi, Chongqing, Yunnan, Shanxi, Guizhou and Hubei. The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) immediately dispatched teams and relief items to the affected search and rescue teams have been working around the clock in clearing the rubble caused by the earthquake.

Based on the current situation, this Emergency Appeal focuses on providing support to RCSC to take an appropriate and timely response in delivering assistance and relief in the following sectors: food, water, shelter, warm clothes, quilts and medical assistance.

Tents, quilts and water purification tablets have been distributed where they are most needed. An assessment team has travelled to the epicenter and a detailed plan of action to meet the needs of the most vulnerable, both short- and long-term, will be drafted in the coming days.

The RCSC is working on a detailed plan of action. Through this appeal, funding will be provided for the initial relief phase, in addition to funding mobilized by the RCSC. This appeal will cover the provision of relief supplies for approximately 100,000 beneficiaries most in need and include the following:

• 3,000 tents;
• 100,000 quilts;
• 200,000 pieces of warm clothing;
• 100,000 food parcels;
• 2,000 boxes of water purification tablets;
• 33,000 jerry cans;
• 33,000 kitchen sets;

The Malaysian Red Crescent

The Malaysian Red Crescent incorporated by the Act of Parliament. Though the society is an auxiliary to the government in humanitarian services, the society depends entirely on donations for corporations and individuals to finance humanitarian services.

The Malaysian Red Crescent is one of the 186 National Red Cross Red Crescent Society (NSs) throughout the world and is a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, a Federation of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies founded in 1919.

The Society’s mission does not end with the protection and preservation of life during catastrophes and tragedies. It is also concerned with other aspects of welfare of all communities especially under privileged, handicapped and other humanitarian works.

Donors can sent cheques or cash to the MRCS Headquarters at 32, Jalan Nipah off Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.  Cheques should be made out to the “Malaysian Red Crescent Society” with the words “China – Sichuan Earthquake” written at the back of the cheque or bank in into MRCS Account Maybank No – 5144 2210 3788. Donations to the MRCS are entitled to tax exemption.

For further details please contact:

Suhana Mohamed Salleh
Manager Communications
Malaysian Red Crescent
32, Jalan Nipah off Jalan Ampang
55000 Kuala Lumpur

Tel    :    603 – 4257 8122 ext 106
Mobile:    012 – 321 2937
Fax    :    603 – 4257 9867 / 4253 3191
e-mail:    suhana@redcrescent.org.my