The Hope Branch aids Kelantan flood victims

The Hope Branch, a non-governmental organization founded by renowned comedian Harith Iskander and his wife, Dr. Jezamine Lim, is actively leading relief efforts to aid victims affected by the recent floods in Kelantan.

Responding swiftly to the urgent needs of the communities in the East Coast of Malaysia, The Hope Branch has earmarked a significant amount of RM120,000 for relief operations. The relief packages, carefully curated to address immediate necessities, include essential items such as rice, fresh poultry, vegetables, toothpaste, toothbrushes, wet wipes, gloves, face masks, mattresses, pillows, and tudung (headscarves).

The two-day relief operation, centered in Kg Seberang Merbau and Kg Bukit Budu, is personally led by Harith Iskander and Dr. Jezamine. The initiative is expected to impact between 930 to 1085 individuals in these two Kelantan villages. The Hope Branch expresses gratitude to Colgate and BZU BZU Malaysia for their valuable sponsorship and partnership, which significantly enhances the organization’s capacity to provide comprehensive aid to those in need.

Long-Term Community Support

Harith Iskander, the founder of The Hope Branch, emphasized, “Our top priority is to ease the burdens of those affected by the floods. We aim to help as many individuals as possible, and we are grateful for the partnerships and contributions that we have received. Beyond the immediate relief, The Hope Branch is committed to maintaining a continuous presence in Kelantan for long-term community support, building on our experiences from past flood relief efforts.”

Social worker Kak Yong, deeply involved in flood relief efforts, provided insights into the challenges faced by the affected communities. “When floods strike, families lose not only their homes but also their main sources of income. The prolonged inaccessibility of jobs as rubber tappers or in palm oil plantations exacerbates financial uncertainty and hardship. Additionally, the health repercussions are severe, with exposure to dirty floodwater leading to widespread illness among villagers. The support from private individuals and NGOs like The Hope Branch becomes beacons of hope for these communities, providing a lifeline for families struggling to cope with the aftermath and prolonged effects of such catastrophic floods.”

Beyond Immediate Relief

Looking beyond immediate relief, The Hope Branch is committed to a sustained presence in Kelantan. Future visits are planned for Kg Pulau Teluk Renjuna, Kg Pulau Tonging, Kg Pulau Pantai Hj Nikmat, and Kg Jubakar Darat, addressing persistent challenges caused by the floods.

The Hope Branch calls upon the public to join hands in supporting ongoing flood relief initiatives in the East Coast. Contributions, whether through donations, volunteering, or raising awareness, can significantly impact the lives of those affected. The organization invites individuals to visit its social media pages (@thehopebranch.my) to learn more about how they can contribute and make a positive impact today. Follow The Hope Branch’s relief missions and become a part of the collective effort to bring hope and relief to communities in need.