The world of Tzu Chi Nov-Dec 2021 (Vol.138)

2021 • 12 20 “I can use it to buy baby milk powder and diapers!” said Myanmarese refugee Mohamad (pseudonym) with joy after receiving the cash voucher from Tzu Chi volunteers. Mohamad survives on collecting recyclables, and the movement control order had disrupted his income, causing him to owe several months of rental. In addition, his wife had undergone a caesarean operation at Kuala Lumpur General Hospital not long ago, and the bill amounted to about RM10,000. Fortunately, he managed to pay part of the fees with help from his friends, but he still owes the remaining sum. As Mohamad’s life was stretched thin, and with children to feed, he had no choice but to approach the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) for aid. From there, he received the cash voucher distributed by Tzu Chi in collaboration with UNHCR. It was a great relief for him now that there would be milk powder and food for his baby and family. Shining light in dark corners At the end of June this year, a white flag campaign was launched in Malaysia, and many organizations, businesses and individuals were seen offering material assistance to those severely impacted by the pandemic. On the Using pictorial drawings, volunteers reminded the beneficiaries to not use the vouchers for cigarette, alcohol and meat-based products. [Photo by Teh Choon Yew] ovid-19 Relief