SEPANG: The money we raise will be given to the people (flood victims), thus the campaigns like “Do Not Donate Here” which discourage the public from donating to disaster relief funds organised by the government are inappropriate as the country is now dealing with a disaster, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun (pix).
She said the government priority is to ensure that the funds will be utilised to help the flood victims.
“The money we raise (through disaster relief fund) will be given to the people.
“In situations like now, there is no need for such hashtags. Doesn’t matter who is doing it (raising money) as long as the recipients benefit and our aims are achieved,” Rina told reporters after visiting the flood relief centre (PPS) at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kota Warisan here today.
The campaign “Do Not Donate Here” on social media expresses disagreement with the government collecting donations from the public and doubt it will be channelled to flood victims.
The campaign, however, encourages donors to contribute directly to non-governmental organisations.
Meanwhile, Rina has also replied to critics over her visit to the flood sites wearing high heels.
“While at the event, I received messages about flood-affected areas and felt I needed to go to the ground to gauge the situation. I changed my baju kurung to pants and blouse but in the rush did not have time to change my shoes,” she told the media.
She added that her visit and presence at the affected areas, the Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SKJT) Saraswathy PPS at Jalan Kelang Lama last Sunday, should be more important than what she wear.
“What is important is my presence at the location is to ensure their welfare is looked after and see what else I can do to help them (flood victims),” she said.
