KOTA BARU: Each monsoon season, when floodwaters rise and homes disappear beneath muddy currents, volunteers from the Raja Shamri Foundation are among those assisting local authorities in helping families trapped by the floods.
But for its founder, Raja Shamri Raja Husin, one moment has never faded.
“I still remember having to carry a baby tightly in my arms while crossing floodwaters from the child’s home.
“There was no life jacket small enough for the baby. If I slipped, the risk to the child’s life was real,” he said.
The experience, which occurred during last year’s floods and was repeated again this year, highlighted a critical gap in flood rescue efforts – the lack of proper safety equipment for infants and young children.
Raja Shamri said only a few babies and children under six who were evacuated wore life jackets.
This, he said, exposed those without life jackets to serious danger as rescuers navigated strong currents and uneven terrain.
“Life jackets are available for adults, but babies and small children are often left unprotected.
“That worried us every time we had to cross floodwaters,” he said.
Determined to change that, Raja Shamri said the Raja Shamri Foundation decided to act.
Using its own funds, the NGO purchased more than 100 specially designed life jackets for infants and children aged below six.
Raja Shamri said the jackets, which are significantly smaller than standard adult versions will be used in future flood missions.
“These life jackets make a huge difference. They give my staff peace of mind and, more importantly, they give children a chance to survive if anything goes wrong,” he said.
Raja Shamri believes his foundation is the first NGO in Kelantan to acquire life jackets specifically designed for babies and young children, and hopes others will follow suit.
“We cannot wait for tragedy before we act. If more organisations adopt this, many young lives can be protected during floods,” he said.
As the northeast monsoon continues to threaten low-lying areas in Kelantan, Raja Shamri and his team stand ready – now better equipped to protect the most vulnerable victims of floods.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
