Draft:Malaysian Humanitarian Aid And Relief

Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (MAHAR)

Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (MAHAR), founded on April 6, 2016, is a Malaysian non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting humanitarian efforts beyond religious, ethnic, geographical, and political boundaries. MAHAR is engaged in various local and international projects that provide support for individuals facing humanitarian crises.

Since its inception, MAHAR has been active in 15 countries, delivering aid and relief. It also participates in global conferences and meetings centered on humanitarian issues. In 2016, the Malaysian Government appointed MAHAR to manage the Special Syrian Migrants Relocation Program, contributing to refugee support in Malaysia.

MAHAR also collaborates with the Ministry of Youth and Sports through the MyCorps program, training over 350 professional humanitarian activists. It has supported individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and other crises worldwide.

MAHAR Humanitarian Center

The MAHAR Humanitarian Center (MHC), located in Sri Rampai, Kuala Lumpur, serves as a one-stop center for humanitarian activities. MHC hosts various activities, including migrant pass renewals, mobile clinics, food distribution, and educational classes.

Campaigns and Initiatives

Ops Ihsan

Ops Ihsan is a collaborative effort with over 50 Malaysian NGOs and companies, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. In 2023, Ops Ihsan organized multiple shipments totaling 96 tonnes of emergency supplies, including food, medical items, and baby essentials.

Food for Gaza

In partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MAHAR was tasked with delivering 800 tonnes of food to Gaza, funded by the Humanitarian Trust Fund for the Palestinian People. A warehouse operation in Cairo facilitated the packing and transportation of food supplies into Gaza.

Dapur Ihsan

Founded by Atef Rayyan, Dapur Ihsan began as a relief kitchen in Northern Gaza, providing meals for refugees. It now operates with 14 cooks and 25 volunteers, producing up to 49,000 meals daily for vulnerable populations in Gaza.

Refugee Support

Syrian Migrants Temporary Relocation Program

MAHAR plays a key role in the Special Syrian Migrants Temporary Relocation Program, initiated after Malaysia's pledge at the 70th United Nations General Assembly to host 3,000 Syrian refugees. MAHAR provides housing, food, health services, education, and employment access for refugees, facilitating their integration and supporting their contributions to local communities.

Roles and Responsibilities

MAHAR registers refugee applications, facilitates refugee needs, offers consultation services, and ensures access to basic necessities such as housing, food, education, and healthcare.

MyCorps Partnership

MAHAR has supported the MyCorps program, a Malaysian Government initiative that trains youth for international humanitarian missions. From 2016-2019, MAHAR contributed expertise and networks for MyCorps missions in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa, supporting education, medical, and social projects in underserved communities.

Disaster Relief

Flood Relief

Since 2016, MAHAR has responded to numerous disasters, including the 2021-2022 floods in Malaysia, where it assisted with evacuations, shelter support, and post-flood cleanups. MAHAR’s flood relief efforts involved international volunteers and local fundraising for affected households.

Turkey and Syria Earthquake Relief

In response to the 2023 earthquake in Turkey and Syria, MAHAR coordinated the shipment of 42 tonnes of essential supplies to Aleppo. Partnering with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), MAHAR played a significant role in delivering aid directly to affected areas.

COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, MAHAR organized various initiatives, including the distribution of 45,000 cooked meals, essential items for frontliners, and iftar packs for healthcare workers and underserved communities in Malaysia.

Environmental Initiatives

Coral Restoration

MAHAR has undertaken projects to clean and restore coral reefs, aiming to protect marine ecosystems. Plans include establishing an on-land coral nursery and a coral restoration laboratory. MAHAR also engages in public advocacy for environmental protection.

Splash!

Splash is MAHAR’s annual event for environmental advocacy, with activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and nature watching. In 2022, the event took place at the Perhentian Islands, focusing on raising awareness about conservation.

Community Support Programs

Program Kasih Sukarelawan

Held on June 10, 2018, at Mydin Bukit Tengah in Penang, Program Kasih Sukarelawan provided Eid shopping opportunities, hampers, and tokens to orphans and children from low-income families.

Joy for Children with Cancer

On June 7, 2018, MAHAR collaborated with the Selangor Bugis Malay Association and Titan Empire Event Management to bring joy to children with cancer at Kuala Lumpur General Hospital. Activities included contributions and interactions with Malaysian celebrities.

RM10 for Ibu Esah

The RM10 for Ibu Esah campaign raised funds to improve the life of 77-year-old Ibu Esah in Kelantan. Donations provided her with a three-wheeled motorcycle and a rented home, assisting her with her daily needs.

International Projects

Qurban Tanzania (2019)

In 2019, MAHAR conducted a Qurban event in Tundaua, Tanga, Tanzania, distributing meat from 80 cows and 65 goats to 10,000 families.

Qurban Shatkira, Bangladesh (2017)

In 2017, MAHAR organized a Qurban project on Gabura Island, Shatkira, benefiting approximately 1,000 individuals across 11 villages.

Water for Life Project (Bangladesh 2021)

MAHAR, in collaboration with SEHADER, established wells in Jessore and Satkhira, providing clean water to over 20 families in rural Bangladesh.

Orthotics Project, Lebanon (2020)

In 2020, MAHAR supported refugee children in Saida, Lebanon, through the Orthotics Project, providing orthotic devices to six beneficiaries.

Project Implementation for RELA Malaysia

MAHAR implemented a medical project in Gaza in partnership with RELA Malaysia, providing an ABR device for cochlear implants to the Basma Center for Audiology and Speech Therapy.