Volunteers rise beyond race, religion to help flood victims at gurdwara
It was a busy scene at the Gurdwara Sahib in Petaling Jaya as volunteers of all races and religions came together to organise efforts to help victims struggling to get their lives together after last weekend's devastating flash floods caused by a tropical depression.
Awtar Singh, the temple president, said he was impressed at how Malaysians have come together under one roof for a humanitarian mission.
"It is people's duty to help...
It was a busy scene at the Gurdwara Sahib in Petaling Jaya as volunteers of all races and religions came together to organise efforts to help victims struggling to get their lives together after last weekend's devastating flash floods caused by a tropical depression.
Awtar Singh, the temple president, said he was impressed at how Malaysians have come together under one roof for a humanitarian mission.
"It is people's duty to help other people. Our religious principle is to help the less fortunate and downtrodden.
"We are always ready to help, not only when there is a flood," he told Malaysiakini.
Volunteers at the Gurdwara were well-organised, working like clockwork.
Baldev Singh, 56, who is part of the temple committee, said the volunteers are organised into three groups - cooking, collecting donated items and distributing them.
He said the volunteer effort has been running 24 hours a day since Dec 18, with some 1,000 volunteers working on a rotation basis.
However, he said the volunteers are facing various challenges.
"It is difficult to communicate on which location needs help as those who require assistance are difficult to reach.
"Furthermore, to get the necessary supplies on time is also a challenge," he said.
Baldev said the volunteers could only do what is within their capacity. Rescuing stranded flood victims, he said, was difficult as they do not have the necessary boats.
The volunteers of various colours, ages and religions, help cook up vegetarian meals to be delivered to the flood victims.
Gurdev Randhawa, 48, said the effort at the temple was a true reflection of Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family).
"I'm happy that we're helping people regardless of race and religion," said 55-year-old volunteer Vee Singh.
Varsity students have also lent their support at the temple, including 24-year-old Mahmood Tarmizi.
"We don't see such community efforts during normal times. This helps to bring people closer together," said Mahmood.
Nur Allesysa Abu Bakar, 19, said she was volunteering as she saw it as her duty to give back to the community.
"Everyone is helping the flood victims without expecting anything in return," she said.
Yesterday, former religious affairs minister Zulkifli Mohamad had also visited the temple to observe the volunteers cooking food for flood victims.
The ex-minister had said he was touched by the cooperation that cut across race and religion to help flood victims.
Zulkifli also said the Sikh concept of seva (selfless service) is not unlike the Muslim concept of ikhlas (performing something sincerely for God).
