Two art collectives in Shah Alam and Klang in Selangor respectively converted their studios into temporary shelters for victims of Saturday’s flash flood.
The young artists also prepared hot meals and purchased essentials for the victims out of their own pockets until donations began to trickle in from friends, art collectors and former lecturers.
The Batu Belah Art Community, comprising NafaSyahdu Art Group, Lakar Layang Studio, and Empati Studio, helped nearly 30 flood victims in Klang's Kampung Batu Belah neighbourhood.
“When we first offered our studios as a place to stay, the residents were shy. They said they'd wait for the rescue team to arrive. But the flood worsened and rescue was delayed. So they took up our offer,” says Burhanuddin Bakri, 28, who is part of the NafaSyahdu Art Group.
“We felt it was our responsibility to help the victims. We have been here since 2018 and we are part of the community. This is our way of giving back to the people here. We consider them as our family,” he adds.
The Batu Belah Art community also helped the community at Kampung Baru Hicom in Shah Alam by providing food and basic necessities.
“When we took boats to Shah Alam to get supplies, they requested assistance because the water level was too high and they received no help. So, we decided to assist them as well,” shares Burhanuddin.
Meanwhile, the Groundzero Studio Art Community in Shah Alam aided stranded residents at Kampung Bukit Lanchong.
Syafiq Ali’am and eight other artists helped bring nearly 20 flood victims to the group's main studio space.
“The people were supposed to be evacuated to the rescue shelters but the centres were at full capacity. We told them that we could provide our studio space as a makeshift shelter.
“Besides supplies, we also made sure to get Covid-19 test kits. We didn't want to spread the virus in the rescue process. A clinic is also nearby. So we took the kids and anyone else who needed medical attention there,” says Syafiq.
He adds the art community at Kampung Bukit Lanchong was used to humanitarian efforts. The members have been helping the poor and orphans in the area since 2012. It was natural for them to help the flood victims.
“We are happy to have helped. Even if it was just for two days. Although we artists were badly hit due to the pandemic and our income was affected, we felt it was our responsibility to help the victims.
“Art for society... that’s what we stand for. Right now, the focus is to use the funds we have with the post-flood recovery. That’s going to be costly,” says Syafiq.
Both art communities are currently assisting residents with clean-up efforts.
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