Over 130 Orang Asli visited an outreach clinic jointly organized by Malaysia Airlines and MERCY Malaysia held at Kuala Sengka, Kluang recently. This marks Malaysia Airlines’ first outing with MERCY MALAYSIA under its Change for Charity (CFC) humanitarian aid programme.

Joyful Kids of Orang Asli Kuala Sengka in Kluang

Volunteers from Malaysia Airlines assisted MERCY Malaysia to set up the clinics and conduct basic medical health screening, health talks and distribution of hygiene kits. Awareness of reproductive health issues to the Orang Asli were also promoted.  Amongst the volunteers involved include Malaysia Airlines’ cabin crews that have championed the collection of funds for Change for Charity who also participated in the community work.

Malaysia Airlines External Relations’ Senior General Manager, Dato’ Capt. Mohd. Nawawi Haji Awang said “Under the CFC programme, our trained employees can be deployed based on skill sets and needs on the ground in Malaysia and beyond.

“We’re delighted to be able to contribute our time for this outreach programme. This completes the cycle for us – from collecting the donations on board to now, being physically present to assist MERCY in this noble cause on ground,” he added.

“The collaboration between Malaysia Airlines and MERCY Malaysia dates back from our early days as a humble humanitarian organisation responding to natural disasters. Our relationship has become stronger and closer through the Malaysian Airlines’ Change for Charity campaign,” said En. Zairulshahfuddin Zainal Abidin, the Executive Director of MERCY Malaysia.

MERCY Malaysia volunteers distributing hygiene kit to the community

“The campaign will contribute to the sustainability of MERCY Malaysia’s health-related programmes in Malaysia as well as local communities in nominated countries, namely Bangladesh and Cambodia,” he added.

Malaysia Airlines and MERCY Malaysia next relief missions will be outside of Malaysia at the end of the year.

Source: http://www.vanityshack.com.my/2010/07/24/reaching-out-to-indigenous-groups/