FLOOD-AFFECTED STUDENTS IN AUSTRALIA TOUCHED BY PM'S AID

Siti Zubaidah Abdullah

BRISBANE, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- Malaysian students who were badly affected by the recent floods in Queensland in north-eastern Australia have expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Najib Razak for the aid delivered to them through Putera 1Malaysia Club.

President of Malaysian Students Association in Queensland Megat Azman Megat Mokhtar said they were really touched by the prime minister's concern.

"This clearly shows that the concept of putting people first is really being practised," said Megat Azman, who is pursuing a doctorate in Health and Environment, when met at his house in Mount Gravatt here Sunday.

His wife, Rohana Mohammad, said the floods had brought Malaysians of various races in Queensland closer together.

"The spirit of unity displayed here should be brought home and practised. With this kind of spirit, all problems can be solved together," she said.

Mohammad Zaini Abdul Jabar and his wife, Nik Falisha Nik Ahmad Noor, who were also affected by the floods in St Lucia, were surprised when Putera 1Malaysia Club president Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim came knocking on their door with the humanitarian aid.

While thanking the Prime Minister, Nik Falisha was also grateful that her
husband and mother-in-law were with her when their house was inundated by flood
waters up to three metres deep.

For someone who had given birth three months ago, the flood was especially daunting. "It's the worst disaster I have experienced," she said.

Abdul Azeez believe that the aid had made the students feel closer to their country, knowing that people back home cared for them.

Eighteen volunteers, including three doctors and members of the press, are involved in the four-day humanitarian mission to deliver food and medicine to Malaysian families and students affected by the floods.