COMMENT I was a disaster relief volunteer with Mercy Malaysia during its early days. Among the missions I went to were the Afganistan post-US bombings (2002), Sri Lanka floods (2003), Aceh post-tsunami (2004), and the Sudan civil war (2005).

I used to be on their 48-hour notice. That means, if there was a disaster, I can be called to pack and leave within 48 hours. I’m no longer on that list now.

Now, I do my own thing. I am a freelance journalist and filmmaker, and do my bit with friends and families where help is needed.

Last week, upon reading reports of the floods in Kelantan, I decided to call a few friends. From the little information coming in, I gathered that supplies were going in, but distribution was the problem and still is...