PETALING JAYA: Local repair shops are pitching in to help by offering to repair computers and phones damaged by flood for free.
In Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Topone Technology is providing free repair services for waterlogged computers.
"We've been seeing messages from victims on online PC groups sharing that they can’t afford repairs at the moment.
“So we decided to offer the service at no cost," said a staff member who only wanted to be known as Apil in a phone interview, adding that it typically costs between RM200 and RM300.
If parts have to be replaced, customers will only be charged the cost price for them, said Apil.
Faiz Azman, manager at AZ Mobile in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, said about 20 to 30 customers have brought in phones covered heavily in mud.
"In my two years in this business, it's the first time I'm seeing so much mud on phones.
“Customers stuck in the flood said when the water subsided, they found their phones on muddy ground," he said.
Faiz, who initially offered a discount to service the phones, has decided to waive the fee for flood victims.
The free service will be offered until the end of the year, he said, adding that it typically costs around RM100 to RM150 to restore devices damaged by water.
"I felt sad after hearing how my customers struggled with water reaching up to their chests during the flood, and are now trying their best to recover from the financial and physical damages.
“There is nothing else I can do for them but offer some of my services for free," he said.
He advised customers not to turn on wet phones or charge them as they would risk damaging their devices further.
Meanwhile, Blackorders Technology in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, is offering to recover data from computers at no cost.
Founder Nazrul Ikhwan said students in particular may be stressed about losing their important data, such as university theses, if their devices were damaged by water.
"We hope to lessen their worries with this gesture. Since the service was announced last night, we've received two requests and urge more people to reach out when they can," he said.
Nazrul who is volunteering to assist flood victims in Jelebu said most people also needed help to clean and restore their houses.
At Masjid Tanah in Alor Gajah, Melaka, phone technician Syeedah Fazreen is offering phone cleaning services for free.
However, customers may be asked to cover the cost of parts, which typically ranges from RM50 to RM100, she says.
"I have set aside my own funds to cover the cost of cleaning the devices and even replacing parts if customers can’t afford to pay for them.
“I feel the need to help after seeing how the floods have affected so many people," she said.
In Kuantan, Pahang, Bangsawan Tech is also offering to repair devices damaged by floods.
And it’s going the extra mile – the shop said it’s willing to send someone to collect the devices if the person is unable to leave the house.
"We have received more than 30 requests so far. When we get the devices, we do a deep clean to get rid of all the mud, dry the components and replace parts like RAM if necessary," a representative, who only wanted to be known as Sham, said.
He added that they have travelled to areas such as Sungai Isap and Indera Mahkota to collect the devices from the flood victims.
In Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Topone Technology is providing free repair services for waterlogged computers.
"We've been seeing messages from victims on online PC groups sharing that they can’t afford repairs at the moment.
“So we decided to offer the service at no cost," said a staff member who only wanted to be known as Apil in a phone interview, adding that it typically costs between RM200 and RM300.
If parts have to be replaced, customers will only be charged the cost price for them, said Apil.
Faiz Azman, manager at AZ Mobile in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, said about 20 to 30 customers have brought in phones covered heavily in mud.
"In my two years in this business, it's the first time I'm seeing so much mud on phones.
“Customers stuck in the flood said when the water subsided, they found their phones on muddy ground," he said.
Faiz, who initially offered a discount to service the phones, has decided to waive the fee for flood victims.
The free service will be offered until the end of the year, he said, adding that it typically costs around RM100 to RM150 to restore devices damaged by water.
"I felt sad after hearing how my customers struggled with water reaching up to their chests during the flood, and are now trying their best to recover from the financial and physical damages.
“There is nothing else I can do for them but offer some of my services for free," he said.
He advised customers not to turn on wet phones or charge them as they would risk damaging their devices further.
Meanwhile, Blackorders Technology in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, is offering to recover data from computers at no cost.
Founder Nazrul Ikhwan said students in particular may be stressed about losing their important data, such as university theses, if their devices were damaged by water.
"We hope to lessen their worries with this gesture. Since the service was announced last night, we've received two requests and urge more people to reach out when they can," he said.
Nazrul who is volunteering to assist flood victims in Jelebu said most people also needed help to clean and restore their houses.
At Masjid Tanah in Alor Gajah, Melaka, phone technician Syeedah Fazreen is offering phone cleaning services for free.
However, customers may be asked to cover the cost of parts, which typically ranges from RM50 to RM100, she says.
"I have set aside my own funds to cover the cost of cleaning the devices and even replacing parts if customers can’t afford to pay for them.
“I feel the need to help after seeing how the floods have affected so many people," she said.
In Kuantan, Pahang, Bangsawan Tech is also offering to repair devices damaged by floods.
And it’s going the extra mile – the shop said it’s willing to send someone to collect the devices if the person is unable to leave the house.
"We have received more than 30 requests so far. When we get the devices, we do a deep clean to get rid of all the mud, dry the components and replace parts like RAM if necessary," a representative, who only wanted to be known as Sham, said.
He added that they have travelled to areas such as Sungai Isap and Indera Mahkota to collect the devices from the flood victims.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
