IT takes a good heart to help someone in need, but a golden heart to dedicate a service for the betterment of the community that we all live in.
The country has been accelerating its efforts to speed up the vaccination programme, and while medical personnel are considered the front liners and the immediate ‘go to’ people during this period, due credit must be offered to volunteers too.
Volunteers are people who come forward with only one intention, which is to offer goodwill for others.
Firdaus Azali, 38, a retrenched airline staff member, who is currently stationed at the mega Covid-19 vaccination centre (PPV) at Setia SPICE Arena, said when he offered himself to be a volunteer, the only intention he had was to give back something to the country.
“With my previous experience in the airline industry, it makes it a lot easier for me to communicate and assist the vaccine recipients here.
“Most of the time, we as normal citizens, would seek assistance from the government during this difficult period. For a change, I thought it would be great to offer my skill set to smoothen the vaccination process, an initiative so crucial for all.
“This is my first time volunteering for a programme of such nature. It has been a pleasant one so far and I will continue to ensure my service is found helpful for all the recipients that come here to receive their dose,” Firdaus told Buletin Mutiara during an exclusive interview at the mega PPV at Setia SPICE Arena today.
Firdaus is in charge of the registration counter.
Another individual, N. Manjubarkavi, 27, a former ‘polis bantuan’ (auxiliary police), is embracing every single moment as a volunteer because she sees this as a great opportunity to come out and do some good for the country.
“A lot of people who have been working from home and unemployed, would tend to get too stressful. So, to come out and volunteer for a good cause is one way to avoid being too cooked up with a lot of pressure within us.
“As for my experience here so far, it has been smooth because the PPV is well-prepared with very good facilities.
“I have seen recipients who got nervous just before receiving their doses. I think it is very normal and that’s when the volunteers come in and offer words of encouragement to soothe their anxiety, at least a little,” said Manjubarkavi.
She is in charge of the MySejahtera section, which involves assisting recipients to scan the QR code via the application.
For Maizatul Farhana Fauzi, 28, who is in charge of the special needs section, to be able to assist individuals with disabilities gives her so much happiness and satisfaction.
“Most of the recipients I encountered were from the senior citizens group and adults with disabilities. Most of them were accompanied by their family members and that helps us move faster with the vaccination process.
“The facilities prepared to accommodate their needs are really good. It is important because we want to make sure the process moves smoothly,” said Maizatul.
Freelancer Loh Ji Yuan, 32, is here for a purpose to help the country speed up its vaccination efforts for the people.
“We are in a stage where actions taken must only move forward for the better. So, I am really happy to be part of this initiative to help my country vaccinate as many people as possible.
“In terms of challenges, I can point out one which is the rapid change of information due to the various transition in phases under the National Recovery Plan.
“I have seen a few people who were unhappy that they got different vaccination appointments with their family members. It is important for people to understand that the appointments are fixed by the authorities.
“It is hoped everyone can cooperate and support the initiative without causing problems,” said Loh.
It was learnt that the mega PPV currently has two shifts, with 40 volunteers stationed in each shift. The morning shift is from 8am to 3pm while the afternoon shift is from 2pm to 10pm.
The volunteers are deployed willingly through an initiative called MyVac (Malaysia Vaccine Support Volunteers) by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan