Dept: Rina got hands dirty in clean-up

Cleaning duty: Rina helping to clean the exterior of a school designated as a flood relief centre. — Photo taken from social media.

KUALA LUMPUR: Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun was actually involved in cleaning up the SK Salak Tinggi relief centre, says the Social Welfare Department.

The department, which issued a clarification on the matter, said Rina was not only involved in cleaning the floor at the school, but she also got her hands dirty in cleaning up and arranging other stuff at the school, Bernama reported.

“As the agency which manages the operation, the Social Welfare Department had requested Datuk Seri Rina’s assistance to clean up bird droppings stains that were difficult to get rid of before.

“Since the waterjet machine was already there, Datuk Seri Rina accepted the request and did the work with an open heart,” the department said in a statement.

It said that Rina, along with Keluarga Malaysia volunteers, had also cleaned up and rearranged the tables and chairs in the classrooms in preparation for the upcoming school session.

According to the department, Rina also helped to pack away the tents used by the flood victims for future use.

“The department feels that it is unfair for netizens to make accusations and belittle the efforts and involvement of Datuk Seri Rina in this clean-up operation,” it said.

The department also encouraged more people to take part in the post-flood operations as Keluarga Malaysia volunteers instead of creating and spreading provocation, the statement said.