Zurich Malaysia channels RM432,493 to build flood resilience in Hulu Langat

The funds are used to undertake efforts in three core areas of recovery & rehabilitation, prevention & mitigation, as well as preparedness & readiness. This includes a geophysical survey to study viability and identify the best location for the installation of a tube well, shelter repair, and helping small business owners in the area resume operations and sustain their livelihood.

The approximately 150-metre-deep tube well and 4,000-gallon water tank that will be installed are critical as a source of clean domestic water for personal, household and sanitary needs such as drinking, bathing, cooking, and cleaning. This freshwater supply mitigates health risks that occur from use of surface water sources that may be contaminated by the floods. Tube wells function by extracting freshwater from subsurface or deeper groundwater aquifers.

Three houses, which sustained flood damage but deemed safe to stay, are repaired through the support of Zurich Malaysia. The repair works include restoration of walls, roof, floor and other structure of the house to ensure it is habitable again. These homes have improved safety, electrical wiring, and are equipped with basic electrical fittings such as lights and fans.

Beyond this basic need for shelter, money has also been allocated to help small businesses replace damaged assets with new ones so they can continue making a living and supply their goods and services to the community to be self-sufficient. Among the recipients are Hulu Langat residents who provide tailoring services as well as employment to their community.

Zurich Malaysia Country Head Junior Cho said, “Malaysians have shown tremendous spirit and resilience to overcome adversity during the floods. This gives us great encouragement and is a source of inspiration. It is critical that the preventive and mitigative efforts continue on, after the headlines, to ensure that the communities are better prepared to sustain their daily activities. We are pleased that MERCY Malaysia shares our concerns in helping affected communities recover and equipped to face any possible future floods. As part of our commitment to journeying together with Malaysians through life, we hope our joint effort can build resilience for the community and help create a brighter future.

Responding to the contribution, MERCY Malaysia’s General Manager for Programme Operations, Mohammad Said Alhudzari Ibrahim said, “MERCY Malaysia thanks Zurich Malaysia for supporting our Flood Response and Recovery Plan, which has paved the way for a meaningful collaboration on the Building Resilient Communities (BRC) programme for the people of Hulu Langat, Selangor. The recent floods had led to major destruction of the area, severely impeding livelihoods and overall development. The BRC programme undertaken by MERCY Malaysia not only focuses on post-disaster infrastructure rehabilitation projects but also proactive investment in community empowerment through SME support programmes and disaster risk reduction and management capacity building trainings.”

The RM432,493 contribution comes from fundraising driven by Zurich Malaysia employees which was matched by Z Zurich Foundation, and surplus of its family takaful and general takaful funds. Zurich Malaysia is appreciative of its takaful customers trust in allowing the company to disburse the takaful excess to philanthropic or life-saving causes on their behalf.

The Z Zurich Foundation is a Swiss-based charitable foundation established by members of the Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich). It is the main vehicle by which Zurich delivers on its global community investment strategy. It works alongside Zurich employees and other stakeholders as well as with governments and NGOs in pursuit of a future where people are empowered to and reach their full potential.