PETALING JAYA: Malaysian fashion designers have rallied to help overcome a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) after the Health Ministry warned that stockpiles are running out fast.
Fashion designer Datuk Datuk Jovian Mandagie said he was heartbroken when he read the news that some frontliners had to use raincoats and plastic garbage bags to protect themselves.
“I think they deserve better. Each of them needs to be protected by wearing proper gear while treating a patient.
“This is what motivates me to work hard on this PPE project, ” he said when contacted.
Jovian, 34, is one of the country’s top fashion designers whose outfits have been worn by celebrities and royalty.
He said he was merely playing his part in helping out frontliners during this crucial time.
“I chose to sew this PPE not only because it is one of the most essential things needed by our frontliners, but also because it is what I do best as a fashion designer.
“Anything that has got to do with fabric and sewing would always be my passion, so I thought, why
not. It is the least I could do to hopefully ease their burden, if not much, even a little bit will do, ” he said.
Jovian said that he was lucky to receive support from those who are close to him.
“Alhamdulillah, I am not in this alone. I’ve got an amazing family, friends and followers who are doing their part as well.
Currently, I am raising funds to produce 10,000 pieces of PPE to be donated across the country, which are expected to be delivered gradually within the next one month. Together is always better, insyaAllah we will continue to provide the PPE for as long as we can afford to, ” he said, adding that those who are interested to support can do so by visiting www.jovian.com.my/shop/jmppe.html.
To such efforts, economist Datuk Dr John Anthony Xavier says the move by the fashion industry will be a great motivational boost for the frontliners as they know that the public cares about their well-being.
“Without PPE, you are going to put the frontliners at grave risk of infection and death. That will be demoralising all around and an immoral thing to do, ” he said.
Alliance for a Safe Community Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye also agreed, saying that all Malaysians must chip in whatever way they can to help the country during the time of a major health emergency.
“It is time for the private sector, professionals and all Malaysians to come forward and rally behind the country in the wake of a major crisis, ” he said.
Another celebrated couturier, Datuk Rizalman Ibrahim, is also among those who had thrown their support in making PPE for the frontliners.
“Showing support as a fashion retiree to @modamalaysia.
“I will sign on the PPE suits, ” he said on his instagram account.
Rizman Ruzaini, another designer who is well known for dressing celebrities including Datuk Seri
Siti Nurhaliza, was also involved in sewing PPE.
“An appreciation to our heroes, ” he said.
Key Ng said he and other fashion designers wanted to use their talents and skills to produce PPE so that healthcare workers need not worry about their attire.
“When we found out that doctors and nurses have been sewing PPE on their own, we wanted to help them.
“The doctors and nurses are our frontliners, and they are facing heavy pressure and a huge responsibility.
“They are supposed to help treat patients, and if they have any spare time, they should rest. They shouldn’t have to worry about their attire, ” he said.
He said having been in the fashion industry for many years, he wished to use his experience and expertise to contribute to the nation.
“We are able to create PPE more easily and quickly, ” he said, adding that he had consulted a doctor involved in combating Covid-19 on how to construct PPE.
“When I heard the news that the Health Ministry only has two weeks before PPE runs out, I told my team we have to press on and ramp up our effort, ” he said.
He said support for the fashion designers’ projects has been overwhelming, adding that he has also been imparting his experience and skills to smaller clothes manufacturers.
“It has been very heartwarming. There have been many kind people who stepped forward to help, ” he said.
Ng had been involved in Malaysian Official Designers’ Association’s initiative to rally the fashion industry to help produce PPEs for medical frontliners.
The Group of 25 Eminent Malays (G25) said they fully support the Health Ministry’s call for public to donate PPE to hospitals.
“We need to do more to support our frontliners who are sacrificing so much to keep us safe. The participation of the public on this will help reduce the reliance on imports, ” it said.
However, the group pointed that the government needed to come up with solutions to distribution and logistics problems when dealing with imported PPE.
“Part of the reason why there was a shortage was due to problems in logistics, so it is important the government identify the problems to avoid further delays in distribution of PPE to the frontliners, ” it added.
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