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

2020 • 12 32 Delivering Aid to an Island Off Semporna The conditional movement control order (CMCO) imposed, following a spike of Covid-19 cases in Sabah in October, rendered stateless communities on the Dawana Island confined, and the harsh living conditions exposed them to extra risk of getting infected. Hence, Tzu Chi collaborated with other organizations to deliver essential supplies to the islanders. pecial Feature By Wong Jia Lih & Wong Kim Voon Translated by Lee Hui Yieng Photograph by Sim Ping Ping O n November 1, 2020, Tzu Chi volunteers from Tawau and Lahad Datu joined hands with Semporna Heroes and a few government bodies, which included Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), Social Welfare Department (SWD), The People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA) and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), to launch a relief distribution on the Dawana Island. Located 34 km off Semporna, it takes at least 1.5-hour and about 20-minute speed boat ride to reach Dawana Island from Semporna and the Philippines borders respectively. Only about 50 households on the island are documented, while most of the rest are the stateless Bajau people. Majority of them do not speak the Malay language and rely on fishing for their livelihood. Like many Malaysians, they suffered the impact of the pandemic. Due to their stateless status, they are not entitled to any government subsidies or public health care services. Besides facing food shortages, their harsh living conditions make them a high-risk group for infection. If an outbreak occurs in their community, it will present serious consequences, potentially a threat to the neighbouring locals.