12 January 2015

Maybank & MERCY move into rebuilding efforts

KUALA LUMPUR, January 12, 2015 - MERCY Malaysia would like to extend its deepest appreciation to Maybank Foundation for generously donating RM400,000.00 for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of a surau affected by the floods in Kuala Krai as well as the Nasunugan Elementary School in Ormoc City which was affected by the Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. 

Maybank Foundation Chairman Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor said, "Maybank's partnership with Mercy Malaysia in disaster mitigation had enabled us to react quickly with coordinated aid to the recent flood disaster, the worst in Malaysian history, that hit the east coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang, as well as Perak.”

“Many of our bank and Etiqa branches were also badly affected by the floods, causing disruptions and inconvenience to our stakeholders, though all are now made operational again. I am particularly pleased that our Maybank staff also rose to the ocassion putting in many volunteer hours to help in the disaster relief efforts. We have gained new lessons for the future from all these, in our efforts to always be at the hearts of our communities," added Tan Sri Megat.

Meanwhile Shahril Azuar Jimin, the CEO of Maybank Foundation said, “It has been a difficult year for some of our communities recently. We all need to do what we can to reach out to the affected communities, especially for those who have lost their homes or had their lives disrupted due to the recent disasters.

“At times like these, we need to ensure that aid reaches the correct people at the correct time. We have seen MERCY Malaysia at work and we strongly believe that it is an ideal partner for us to channel aid to the affected communities.”

Shahril added that the Foundation had identified an immediate need in the East Coast which is to rehabilitate and reconstruct a surau in Kuala Krai. 

"Apart from that, in the region, one of the most horrifying disasters was the super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. We were made aware that one of the affected communities was the Nasunugan Elementary School in Ormoc, Philippines, which we felt needed special assistance. Through our collaboration, we are hoping that our contribution would help MERCY Malaysia in further expanding their noble humanitarian services.”

During the recent floods in the east coast of Malaysia, Maybank had announced a moratorium on loans as well as made available RM300 million in emergency financing facilities to help affected customers. The Group had also assisted in air freighting essentials to aid some of the most affected communities at the height of the floods.

"Now that the floods have receded, we also want to support the reconstruction efforts that are beginning to take place there and have decided that we will work with MERCY to rebuild a surau as a start," added Shahril. "This is consistent with our commitment to be at the heart of the community in line with our mission of humanising financial services."

The Nasunugan Elementary School was one of the buildings that was affected by the Typhoon Haiyan that hit the Philippines. MERCY Malaysia first started relief efforts there by distributing shelter repair kits to the villages in Nasunugan. This was then further extended by conducting rehabilitation and reconstruction program on the Nasunugan Elementary School.

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About MERCY Malaysia 

MERCY Malaysia is a non for profit organisation focusing on providing medical relief, sustainable health related development and risk reduction activities for vulnerable communities in both crisis and non-crisis situations, both locally and internationally. MERCY Malaysia recognises the value of working with partners and volunteers as well as providing opportunities for individuals to serve with professionalism. We uphold the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief and hold ourselves accountable to our donors and beneficiaries. For more information, please proceed to www.mercy.org.my

About Maybank Foundation

Maybank Foundation was incorporated in 2010, in conjunction with Maybank Group’s 50th anniversary. Today, Maybank Foundation stands as the Group’s new vehicle for Corporate Responsibility, aiming to expand the Group’s impact across the region, touching lives and empowering communities to build a better future both for present and future generations. For more information, please proceed to www.maybankfoundation.com