AYER HITAM: Some 17 years ago, Ashar Ahmad (pic) was a journalist covering the major flood that hit Johor, but this time around, he has been helping evacuees as a volunteer.
The 53-year-old, who used to work as a journalist with a television station, said he had always been interested in volunteer work.
“I was involved in volunteerism on a part-time basis. But when I retired two years ago, during the Covid-19 lockdown, I went full-time,” he said.
Ashar is one of the 60 volunteers under the Welfare Department helping evacuees at temporary relief centres (PPS) in Batu Pahat district, Johor.
The father of three said that as volunteers, they could only be in green zone areas or within the PPS throughout its operation.
“As volunteers, our main task at the PPS is to ensure everything is in order, including cleanliness, and to make the evacuees comfortable throughout the duration,” Ashar said.
He said they also talked to flood victims to help them release their emotions and stress over the incident.
He said the present flood here reminded him of the major flood that hit the state in 2006 and 2007.
“I still recall that thousands of people had no choice but to evacuate for safety. This flood brought back some memories,” he said.
He is also urging more people to become volunteer and help the flood victims.
“We are doing this for free, and to see those we helped get through such an ordeal is self-rewarding,” Ashar added.
