BMCCI Thanks Tsunami Donors
by Rosh Abidin Yahya

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) expressed its utmost gratitude to its members and the public for donations towards victims of the deadly tidal waves that hit Southeast and South Asia as well as Africa last Dec. 26.

Hj Muhammad Pehin OKILBMDSU Hi Ismail, Executive Secretary of Administration and an Executive Committee Member of BMCCI, said half of the donations have been sent through the Yayasan Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah to Aceh.

"Unfortunately, the other half comprising clothes have not been sent yet as Aceh had been overwhelmed with such contributions from all over the world. However, we are planning to donate them to the poor people of Banjarmasin in Kalimantan," he said.

Hj Muhammad said BMCCI is currently waiting for a nod from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Brunei Darussalam for them to send the contributions.

He added a convoy of about 20 4WDs driven by BMCCI members will take the contributions by road to Kalimantan.

"We just want the public to know that their donated clothes will be given to the poor people of Banjarmasin and will not go to waste," he said.

It was reported that various local organisations were also having difficulties in sending used clothes to Aceh because contributions have overwhelmed the tsunami-affected Sumatran Island.

However, the Jakarta Postreported yesterday that even though donations from organisations all around the world have indeed overwhelmed Banda Aceh and Meulaboh,villages further away are still left high and dry.

Relief organisations there stated basic services such as health and education are much needed and the Aceh people need to restore their livelihoods.

"Farmers should be helped to cultivate their lands again and fishermen must be supported so that they can go to work once more.

They cannot depend on grants forever and actually Acehnese themselves don't like the idea," an agency told the Jakarta Post. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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