Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had announced Malaysia under total lockdown on May 28, 2021, after Malaysia continues to record new highs in COVID-19 cases. Only essential and emergency services are allowed to operate. Since last year, the extension of the lockdown has amplified the devastating impact of the pandemic on thousands of businesses and individuals. Many individuals have lost their jobs, incomes and families to the COVID-19 pandemic. These resulted in many of them who are struggling financially can’t afford their food and living. Unfortunately, suicide cases in Malaysia are also rising due to the financial distress during this period of prolonged isolation.
What is this movement about?
#Benderaputih initiative that pleading aids has been gone viral on social media since the latest MCO extension on June 28. This movement has gained tremendous support following the disappointment over the government’s recovery plan. It’s a movement started by netizens of Malaysia to encourage those in need of food and essentials to reach out.
The movement suggests that those facing extreme difficulties raise a white flag or a white cloth outside their homes as a sign that they need immediate aids and let people who can help know which households need help. They are also urged not to plead or to be embarrassed. This movement may help those thinking of taking drastic actions like commit suicide, snatch, hurt someone else for money, etc.
To streamline the process of connecting the needy to those willing to help, Bendera Putih app (now called Sambalsos.com) was launched on June 4 by Malaysian student volunteers Sidharrth Nagappan Cornelius Pang, and Shaun Mak. This app allows receiving reports of white flags and food bank locations in Malaysia.
In response to the White Flag Initiative, many, including businesses, NGOs, politicians, and citizens, have provided immediate support to them as much as they can. For example, 99 Speedmart is preparing 1000 aid packages per day for delivery to the doorsteps of the needy. Moreover, Petronas and Shell are running a food bank programme at their petrol station. Datuk Andrew Lim, the major shareholder of SOGO Department Store has also taken initiatives to raise funds internally to help families affected by MCO.
Where to get help?
Besides hanging a white flag, you can also reach out to your nearest food bank for assistance or ask for help on Bendera Putih app.
1. Raise a white flag
Flying a flag outside your home to let others willing to help know you are in dire need.
2. Reach out to your nearest food bank
You can get food bank locations on the Bendera Putih app or type “food bank” on Google Maps to check the nearest food bank. Otherwise, you may refer to the list of checkpoints here.
3. Ask for help on Bendera Putih app.
You need to log in to your account with your Google account, upload an image of your house, input your address accordingly, and provide additional remarks like phone number, what kind of assistance you need (food, essentials, medicine), etc. Human review will be conducted on every report made to ensure authenticity. You will get your reviewed report typically within 24 hours of posting, whether your request is approved or rejected.
How can you help them?
1. Provide them in terms of funds, food, essentials, etc
You can lend a hand providing them in terms of funds, food and essentials, to the best of your abilities if you see a white flag around your neighbourhood. Apart from that, pinpoint the location of the needy through the Bendera Putih app to direct those who have more resources for them.
2. Spread awareness on this White Flag Campaign
You may also spread this #BenderaPutih campaign to more people who have been suffering in silence so that they know they are not alone in this fight. This campaign could reduce the stigma of asking for help. Connect them to the nearest food bank if you see someone is searching for food in the trash.
Do bear in mind to follow SOPs, wear your masks in public and maintain social distancing as much as possible to drive the cases to fall below 4000 per day.
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