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UUM ONLINE: Jitra – Concerned with the difficulties faced by the residents  under the Targeted Enhanced Movement Control Order (TEMCO), especially those in Napoh, Â鶹ֱ²¥ (UUM) decided to render assistance through UUMCares: Rescue the Residents of Napoh by handing over assistance in an effort to ease the burden of families in need.

UUM through its University Health Centre (UHC) and UUM Corporate Communication (UUM Corp. Comm.) presented contributions in the form of daily necessities to the Kubang Pasu District Social Welfare Officer, Mr. Rusdi Ishak at the Tunku Anum Hall, Kubang Pasu Municipal Council.

The Director of UHC, Dr Adi Azhar Abdul Razak said, UUM began gathering food and other necessities on 6 August and the collection exercise ended on 10 August.

According to him, rice packets, flour, cooking oil and dry food such as biscuits were among the items gathered.  In addition, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) too decided to contribute through UUM. Amongst the items that were donated by the NGOs were baby formula, disposable diapers and other daily essentials.

"The organisation of this campaign is quintessentially on the basis of concern. We are all aware that the amount of contributions and aid channelled to the residents may not be enough for everyone in the TEMCO area, hence we will monitor the situation by looking at the current needs of the residents. The campaign will continue, should the need arises," he said.

Meanwhile, Kedah State Social Welfare Director, Mr Azmi Abd Karim extended his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to UUM for contributing to the residents in TEMCO area stating that some families were unable to go out to get food supply. Only the head of the households were allowed to go out to get daily provisions within a one kilometre radius from 8 am to 6 pm only.

According to him, on their end, they received many basic necessities as well as necessities for specific groups such as items for children and people with special needs.

"I see this as a concerted effort and accumulation of NGO, governmental agency and state government responsibilities in ensuring that every household has sufficient food supply and we will ensure that this food supply will not be cut off during the implementation of TEMCO.

"In addition, UUM's noble efforts are also greatly appreciated and each supply will be coordinated by JKM at the district level and JKM working under the auspices of the District Disaster Operations Control Centre will be coordinated by their respective district officers," he said.

Mr Azmi Abd Karim said the distribution of aid received was done jointly by the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) and the People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA) to nine distribution points in the TEMCO area directly to the head of the household daily," he said while inspecting the TEMCO Aid and Contribution Distribution Centre here.

He added that the assistance received will be channelled to families who had undergone screening tests and so far more than 750 residents had received assistance in the form of basic necessities from JKM.

In a press conference on 3 August, the Senior Minister (Security), Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob stated that the implementation of TEMCO adopts the existing standard operating procedures (SOP) with the addition of roadblocks at each entrance and exit and the closure of several main roads.

The implementation of TEMCO in Mukim Hosba, Mukim Ah, Mukim Binjal (Padang Terap) and Kampung Ulu in Padang Sanai (Padang Terap) involves about 7,000 residents begining from August 3 to August 30, following the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak from the Sivagangga Cluster.

Also present were UUM Director of Corporate Communication, Mdm. Rasidah Rodzi and University Health Centre officials.