MIRI: A joint charity visit by the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRC) Miri Branch and Miri City Council (MCC) to two low-income families at a longhouse in Bakong here has brought much-needed relief and crucial health awareness to one of Miri Division’s remote communities.
Led by Dr Uma Devi, chairperson of the MRC Miri Community Care and Protection sub-committee, the outreach initiative was supported by local volunteer, VP Govindasamy, a longstanding member of the community health group.
The visit was part of a broader community care programme aimed at improving the well-being of vulnerable households through targeted education and essential aid.
Dr Uma delivered a health and environment-focused talk addressing three key issues: the dangers of plastic use, the importance of cleanliness, and making healthier dietary choices.
Each theme was carefully tailored to resonate with daily life in rural longhouse settings.
“The overuse of plastic and poor sanitation are not just environmental problems they are deeply linked to public health,” said Dr Uma.
“We hope this visit is a small step towards creating long-term behavioral change.”
In a parallel session, Dayang Mariamah from the MCC spoke with the families about the range of municipal services available to them.
She also provided guidance on how to lodge complaints or service requests with the council, a gesture aimed at bridging the information gap between rural communities and city authorities.
In a symbolic push to reduce single-use plastics, each family received a ‘Say No to Plastic’ sticker to display on their front doors.
The campaign was further reinforced by the distribution of reusable stainless steel plates and bowls, anonymously donated by a group of benefactors committed to the cause.
Volunteers also handed out basic necessities, including dry and canned foods, hygiene kits, and clothing.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition that charitable work must extend beyond immediate aid to encompass longer-term education and empowerment.
With more visits planned in the months ahead, the MRC Miri Branch and MCC are calling for additional volunteers and donors to join what they describe as a “shared journey towards a more compassionate society”.
“This isn’t just about charity, it’s about community resilience,” said Ismawi Ahmad, one of the MRC Miri staff involved in the effort.
“It’s about making sure no one is left behind, even in the most remote corners of our division.”
