Tzu Chi volunteers provide a ray of sunshine for those in need

GEORGE TOWN: For volunteer Siow Eik Kwang, dedicating his time to helping others has become a way of life since he joined Buddhist Tzu Chi Merit Society Malaysia 16 years ago.

“I wanted to do something to help others.

“When I found out about Tzu Chi, which means ‘compassionate relief’, and how a big group of people gives without expecting anything in return, I knew I had found my place.

“It has been an enriching experience, ­helping people regardless of religion or status,” he said when met at the landslide area in Jalan Bukit Kukus, Paya Terubong, yesterday.

Siow, 52, said normally when there is an incident or disaster, volunteers are mobilised based on how big a group is required.

“As this is on a volunteer basis, we see what is needed at the site and provide help. Different disasters have different needs. Here, we realised there was no shelter for the media, so we got canopies for them.

“Tzu Chi has signed a memorandum of understanding with the state government to keep each other in the loop if anything happens,” said the businessman.

“For me, I see life differently after joining the society.”

Like a ray of sunshine during gloomy times, the society has provided aid in the form of six meals a day for rescuers and pressmen.

They also set up canopies, tables and chairs for reporters to carry out their work and take shelter from the unpredictable weather.