![More than just financial aid, the relief funds carry the love and blessings of society, bringing hope and warmth to those affected. [Photo by Hiew Chin Haur]](/images/Articles/CS/2025/MR20250223_001.jpg "More than just financial aid, the relief funds carry the love and blessings of society, bringing hope and warmth to those affected. [Photo by Hiew Chin Haur]")
Amidst the chaos and despair of the floods, unfamiliar faces appeared, offering warm smiles and comforting words. Though gentle, their presence was enough to break the dam of emotions, bringing tears of relief to those affected.
At the end of January 2025, relentless downpours triggered severe flooding across Sarawak, inundating multiple districts. Many residents had no time to salvage their belongings before being forced to evacuate. In Bintulu, a rapid surge in Sungai Sebiew’s water levels caused it to overflow, affecting around 4,000 households, with floodwaters rising beyond the first floor of homes in some areas. Meanwhile, Miri experienced its worst flooding since 1981, leaving homes, shops, schools, and other buildings in the hardest-hit areas of Sibuti and Pujut Tanjung Batu submerged in muddy waters and devastation.
As reports of the disaster emerged on the first day of the Lunar New Year (January 29), local Tzu Chi volunteers put aside their holiday celebrations and family reunions. Donning their uniforms, they rushed to evacuation centres to support affected residents and assess their needs. They promptly delivered much-needed relief supplies, including blankets, mattresses, fever patches for children, electric stoves, and hygiene kits. Each item was more than just a necessity – it was a reminder to those displaced that someone truly cared about them.
Once the waters receded, volunteers waded through mud and debris to assess damages, offer care, and assist families in need with cleaning up. They also distributed hot meals, including 600 halal-certified food packs specially prepared for Muslim flood victims. Each meal, hand-delivered with care, offered not only nourishment but also warmth and love to those exhausted from the ordeal.
◎ Mobilising support: A united effort
The disaster sparked an outpouring of compassion beyond Sarawak. Upon learning of the widespread devastation in Bintulu and the limited volunteer manpower available, 172 volunteers from Tzu Chi KL & Selangor signed up for the relief efforts within just a day, self-funding their flight tickets and accommodation. The Kelab Cabaran Pacuan 4 Roda Bintulu also lent their support, deploying 44 off-road vehicles to transport volunteers into hard-hit areas for resident registration. Meanwhile, in Miri, local Tzu Chi volunteers, alongside 15 experienced Tzu Chi KL & Selangor volunteers, some 50 members of the Miri Buddhist Society, and other kind-hearted individuals, went door to door to register affected households, lend a listening ear, and offer comfort. Among the teams were volunteers who were also flood victims themselves, yet they set aside their own needs to offer love and support to others.
The sight that greeted volunteers was heartbreaking – homes filled with stagnant water and thick mud, furniture and appliances destroyed, and streets lined with heaps of discarded belongings. The stench of dampness lingered in the air. Yet, the most heart-wrenching moments came when affected residents, holding back their grief for days, finally allowed their tears to fall in the presence of volunteers.
Nurul Sukma recounted the terrifying evacuation experience. Choking back tears, she said, “I wrote my mother’s and my phone numbers on my children’s arms and told them, ‘If your bags become too heavy while fleeing, just leave them behind.’ My child asked, ‘But what about our clothes?’ I told them, ‘It’s okay. We can buy new clothes. Your lives are what matter most.’”
Another affected resident, Evong Jok, expressed deep gratitude to Tzu Chi, the first charity group to visit and provide support. The flood had taken a devastating toll – his kitchen appliances, electrical goods, and motorcycle were all damaged. The over 100 chilli plants outside his home – his source of income – were also destroyed. A volunteer gently patted his shoulder in encouragement. In that moment, empathy spoke louder than words.
Over two days (February 8 and 9), volunteers traversed the flood-hit areas and covered nearly 5,400 affected households in Bintulu and Miri. More than just recording names and details, each visit was an opportunity to help. Their presence conveyed a clear message: “You are not alone. We are here for you.”
◎ Love beyond financial assistance
On February 5, flooding also struck Keningau, Sabah, leaving the town centre and nearby villages covered in thick mud. As affected residents had no access to clean water and electricity, volunteers delivered hot meals and arranged for 24,500 litres of clean water to be sent to the hardest-hit areas, speeding up the clean-up for affected families. Soon after, they began the registration process for financial aid.
On February 22 and 23, two weeks after completing the registration, Tzu Chi held five relief distribution ceremonies across Bintulu, Miri, and Keningau, benefitting 2,344 affected households with a total aid amounting to RM4.94 million.
During the ceremonies, volunteers read aloud a letter from Master Cheng Yen, conveying her deep concern and blessings. They also took the opportunity to highlight the connection between environmental destruction and natural disasters, encouraging attendees to adopt sustainable practices and plant-based diets to protect the planet and reduce future calamities. Moreover, attendees learned that Tzu Chi’s funds come from small donations, reinforcing the idea that everyone has the capacity to help others. Through collective kindness, we can create a better world.
Watching a video recap of the flood and relief efforts, Jeffrey, one of the beneficiaries, was moved to tears. “I never cry easily,” he admitted. “But today, I felt another wave washing over me – not the flood, but a wave of selfless love from Tzu Chi.” He then led all recipients in a round of applause to express their heartfelt appreciation.
As the song “One Family” was played, Yahya, another affected resident, wiped away his tears. “My home… everything is gone,” he whispered. Yet, the aid he received felt like a glimmer of light in the darkness, especially with Eid al-Fitr just about a month away. “This assistance gives us hope. Thank you, Tzu Chi, for treating us like family.”
Kamsiah, after receiving her cash card, held a volunteer’s hands tightly. “Thank you… truly, thank you,” she said with teary eyes. Her gesture spoke volumes of her emotions and immense gratitude.
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Throughout the hall, voices of gratitude filled the air. The affected residents were thankful for the selfless love that transcended race and religion, and for the timely support that gave them the strength to rebuild. Meanwhile, the volunteers were grateful for the opportunity to serve and bring comfort. The floods may have been merciless, but love remains ever-present.
