Tsunami Relief


Week 9 - More Fishermen Requesting Aid
Posted by Administrator (admin) on May 08 2006
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Approving and Rejecting Applications

This week, POHD has been receiving many new request for aid from fishermen. Apparently word has got around very quickly around the villages that POHD has been quick in supplying engines and nets which has enabled many fishermen to go out to sea. Fishermen from Tg. Tokong and even as far as Teluk Bahang have approached POHD for help.

Boats at sea shore

Vincent and Razak have got more work than they bargained for. Besides receiving the applications, they have to vet each and every one of it. Then orders are placed with suppliers. Suppliers sometimes do not have stock and so delays takes place. When the supply finally arrives, the logistics need to be arranged to transport it.

After all this is done, Vincent and Razak are encouraged by the happy and grateful smiles of fishermen. But they have to also contend with angry applicants who have had their applications rejected. Yes…POHD had to reject several applications. Some of the reasons stated for the rejections were:

o Applicants who claim to be fishermen but are not.

o Applicants who claim to own boats and engines but do not.

o Applicants who have received sufficient compensations from other sources.

o Applicants who possess repaired and usable engines and boats.

o Applicants who are able to purchase their own equipments.

As a general rule, POHD will approve an aid application unless there is strong evidence to suggest otherwise. 90% of the applications received were approved.

Application received:

 - Tg. Bungah 27 (19 Approved)

 - Tg. Tokong 38 (5 Approved, 33 Pending)

 - Teluk Bahang 6 (All Approved) 


Ah Yam receiving his new 40hp Suzuki engine

Cash Aid from Germany

Germany has come to the rescue of Tsunami victims too! A school in Germany had raised funds to help tsunami victims. Students of Schellenberg Schule Hufingen school conducted various fund raising efforts. This was complimented by the efforts of the Lions Club of Donaueshingen. Together, they raised RM30,000 (US7,894). They contacted Mr. Kai Mueller, a German citizen who works in Penang. Mr Kai Mueller who had heard about POHD efforts contacted us to make arrangements. Mr. Kai Mueller was informed of the new aid request by Tg. Tokong fishermen and he quickly agreed to fund it with the money from Germany.

Mr. Kai Mueller accompanied Vincent to Tg. Tokong on Thursday, 24th February and spent three hours filling out application forms. The next day, they met with the Chairman, En Mohd Ali Hassan and En. Amran Taib, Secretary of the Fishermen Association to discuss the applications.


Kai and Vincent receiving aid applications from Tg. Tokong fishermen

"Please help me - my shop got washed away!"

That was what Subaya Alagappan said when he pleaded to us to help setup his small but cozy shop – The Beach Café. Situate next to the beach amids beautiful formations of rocks, this spot has become a favourite spot and commands a regular clientele who seek for the comforting sounds of calms waves washing ashore. But on 26th Dec’04, Subaya got more than a calm wave. He said the strong waves had battered his shop and damaged furniture and equipments. He had requested for a stove and freezer. POHD supplied him with a triple burner and a 32’ freezer. Mr. Subaya will resume business shortly.


A happy Subaya and his wife

Aid to Aceh Children

Meanwhile, the first batch of children stationeries ordered last week arrived on 25th February. After seeing all the goodies stuff, some of POHD staff wished they were kids again. Next week, more of the orders will arrive and packing will commence.

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Word from Nana (Forum LSM Aceh)

Nana

 

"hi dear friends
At present Mtahari( Sun NGO) alreaddy distributed POHD humanitarian aid to North Aceh, Pidie, Aceh Jeumpa, Aceh Besar and Banda Aceh. More humanitarian aid still needed by IDPs (Internally Displaced Person) people. Some of them are returning to their previous home though they have to rebuild much of it. As far as possible, Matahari is helping them to receive whatever aid available. Right now the Government is building temporary homes (we call them "barak") This "barak" may become homes for the IDPs people in some areas around aceh province". Nana

 

Last changed: May 08 2006 at 12:06 AM

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