The fishing village of Kampung Bukit Malut, on Langkawi Island in Malaysia, was one of the many tsunami-affected disaster areas. Earlier this year, a large fire swept through the village, burning down nearly 300 huts. In July, seasoned volunteers from Tzu Chi Malaysia discovered their difficulties in the process of continued post-tsunami care. In August, they decided to implement a long-term assistance plan.

Since the beginning of August, this project has benefited 1197 people, or 261 households. In the initial stage, Tzu Chi established Fridays as relief distribution day, conducted by rotating groups of volunteers from Malaysia's eight states. Every week, each hungry household received food supplies including water, rice, biscuits, and other items.

The fire destroyed the homes of families whose houses had been lost to the tsunami and then rebuilt. As their new homes are being constructed, the disaster victims are living in temporary tents. Each tent houses 10 families, with 50 or 60 men, women and children, mostly from Myanmar.

One of the victims, Aminah Ali, expressed her gratitude to Tzu Chi for delivering rice, as some families cannot afford it. Seeing the relief distribution by volunteers, numerous residents came to the tents to help them distribute and transport goods. Residents also helped volunteers with cleaning their living spaces.

Tzu Chi volunteers will continue to assist the disaster victims until they are able to move into their new homes.

For detailed information, please contact:

Tzu Chi Foundation, Taiwan Headquarters
Office of International Charity Affairs
Program Manager
Mr. Joe Wang
Office Tel: +886-3-8299779 ext 343
Email: joe@tzuchi.org.tw

Technical Officer:
Mr. Jiren Chen
Office Tel: +886-3-8299779 ext 344
Email: tan_chi_keong@my.tzuchi.org