Malaysian Sikh non-governmental organisation Khalsa Diwan Malaysia has stepped forward to support flood victims in Punjab, India, with a donation to help them rebuild their lives.
Its president Jaginder Singh Raipatti handed over a mock cheque for the sum of RM10,001 during a ceremony at Gurdwara Sahib Selayang in Selayang, Selangor.
The cheque was presented to United Sikhs Malaysia president Sunil Shukvir Singh, who will channel the aid to victims in Punjab.
“Recent floods in Punjab caused widespread devastation, claiming lives and destroying crops, livestock, homes and villages.
“Survivors are struggling without food, clean water, shelter and basic necessities.
“The remaining livestock are facing starvation,” said Jaginder.
He said search and rescue teams, volunteers and NGOs from India and abroad worked tirelessly to provide aid, temporary shelter as well as healthcare and counselling services.
“The floodwaters may recede, but the misery and destruction caused will take a long time to overcome.
“The people in Punjab need to rebuild not only their homes, but also their livelihoods.
“Farming and livestock breeding, their main sources of income, must be revived quickly.
“A great deal of resources are required urgently,” said Jaginder.
He also urged other Malaysian Sikh societies and communities as well as gurdwara management committees to contribute generously.
“We need to stand together as one big family to overcome this crisis,” he added.
