The world of Tzu Chi December 2020(Vol.129)

2020 • 12 34 rice, flour, cooking oil, milk powder and face masks, to 350 households on the island to help them pull through the month. The relief supplies were sent in two trucks from Tawau to Semporna a day before the distribution event. They were then transferred to eight speed boats with assistance from Semporna Heroes volunteers, who then guarded the supplies on the boats overnight. Thanks to clear weather the next morning, the supplies and volunteers from Tzu Chi and Semporna Heroes, together with personnel from ESSCOM, MMEA and SWD, departed and arrived safely on Dawana Island. With distribution coupons handed out in advance, the distribution went orderly, adhering to the government’s standard operating procedures. Ameaningful first collaboration Dr. Jason, the coordinator, was gratified to see the islanders’ smiles and grateful that the distribution was made possible with great support from the founder of Semporna Heroes, Samuel Lee. Semporna Heroes was formed post CMCO in October when a doctor informed Samuel about the plight of the Bajau people and sought his assistance. Having lived in Semporna for over 30 years, he had never stepped foot on the Dawana Island. This was by far the largest-scale and most challenging distribution event he has participated since its formation. He concurs with Tzu Chi’s philosophy to treat everyone equally and extend aid to anyone in need, regardless of their citizenship status. Roihan Ang, a diving instructor and member of Semporna Heroes, felt honoured and glad to collaborate with Tzu Chi for the first time. He informed that the team had spent three days on planning, which involved the island coordinates confirmation and logistics and manpower arrangements. He revealed that when the islanders first saw volunteers in coverall jumpsuits, they ran away, mistaking the volunteers as doctors who were there to get them tested. Fortunately, some of the volunteers could speak their language and managed to calm them down. “The islanders were very grateful when they learnt that we were there to help them. Some cited prayers in thanks while some were moved to tears when they received the distribution coupons.” Lifting worries and burdens Forty-year-old Rohainah lives with her 75-year-old father, Ibil, and four grandchildren. Her father was born in the Philippines but fled to Sabah due to social unrest. All her seven children, aged 1 to 21, are stateless and illiterate. Her husband works in an oil palm estate in Lahad Datu and hardly comes home. She said, “We normally fish for food. If our working children send some money home, then we could spend 20 or 50 cents to buy some rice, oil or sugar. Now, as we can’t go out, we can only fish nearby.” She was deeply grateful for the love and care received, and the supplies solve her worries for food. Lo Jin Oi, volunteer-in-charge of Tzu Chi Tawau, hopes that more people will come to the aid of these stateless and destitute people. She urged, “We live on the same piece of land and are interdependent. Hence, mutual support is the key for us all to live in peace and harmony.” pecial Feature Watch video report