Plans to combine volunteers from different programmes underway

PETALING JAYA: The Government wants to ramp up volunteer work among Malaysians so that they can join forces with government agencies to address social needs in the country.

Citing statistics from a survey which showed that only 1% of the people aged above 15 have registered as volunteers, the Women, Fa­­­mily and Community Develop­ment Ministry is planning to combine volunteers from different programmes so that the various causes can be served efficiently.

Volunteer groups from agencies under the ministry like the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and So­­cial Institute of Malaysia will link hands to address the needs of the people.

Such collaborations will widen the ministry’s volunteer resources to aid target groups like the disabled and elderly.

“The ministry plans to conduct an integrated volunteer programme with the agencies.

“For example, a partnership with the National Population and Family Development Board will aim to strengthen the family and community institutions.

“At the same time, we will also increase cooperation among government bodies, non-governmental organisations and the private sector,” it said in a statement.

The ministry said very few Ma­­laysians have interest in volunteerism, with the 2010 survey revealing that there were only seven register­ed volunteers per 1,000 Malaysians.

“Although there are about 135,000 full-fledged volunteers in Malaysia, this figure only represents less than 1% of youths aged above 15,” it added.

While the ministry acknowledges that there are some who have a passion for volunteerism, more can be done to make it part of the Malaysian culture.

Among the efforts by the ministry to increase the number of volunteers include recognising volunteer contributions by awarding deserving individuals at the state and national level and funding volunteer programmes.

Under the ministry, one of the most successful volunteer programmes is the Home Help Service.

The service is for the elderly and disabled, especially those living alone or in poverty, whereby volunteers help them around the house such as by preparing food, doing chores or simply providing them with some company.

As at Dec 31 last year, a total of 2,242 JKM volunteers helped 7,714 individuals in need under the programme.

Earlier this month, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi launched the National Welfare Month, which aims to recognise the contributions of the disabled community, children, elderly and volunteers in society and to foster a caring community.