HOW uncomfortable one feels when there is a power failure or water-supply cut, even if it is for a short while.

In this case, financial or property loss does not occur. But that doesn’t keep one from grumbling about the inconvenience.

Just imagine the magnitude of mental, physical and financial suffering experienced by flood victims.

The floods last year in several states had all the elements of fear, anxiety, discomfort and inconvenience. Then there was the loss of income, property and the lives of loved ones.

Government agencies were doing everything to help those affected.

Despite this, I feel the public could also help the victims.

Over the years, I had suggested that a permanent relief fund be set up to help people affected by floods, fires and earthquakes (”Time for a permanent relief fund” — NST, Feb 4, 2005, and “Set up fund on permanent basis” — NST, Jan 12, 2007) .

Malaysia has 27 million people.

Arithmetically, a minimum sum of RM27 million can be collected monthly if a person contributes RM1.

Managing the fund is an exercise in building national integration as it shows that Malaysians will always be thinking of fellow Malaysians.

ABDUL AZIZ SAAD, Shah Alam

Source: NST – February 12, 2008