The Rahmatan Lil Alamin (Blessings to all) Foundation (RLAF), in collaboration
with Mercy Relief and mosques in Singapore, has raised a total of $237,277 for the
West Java earthquake appeal. The fundraising initiative was held from 25 November to
8 December 2022 to support the immediate needs of communities affected by the
earthquake in Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia. These needs include food, water,
emergency shelter and hygiene items.
2. On Tuesday, 17 January 2023, CEO of RLAF, Mr Muhammad Faizal Othman,
formally handed over the collection to Mercy Relief in a cheque handover ceremony
held at the Singapore Islamic Hub. The funds were received by Executive Director of
Mercy Relief, Ms Angelina Ong. The ceremony was also witnessed by Deputy Chief
Executive of Muis, Dr Albakri Ahmad, Chairman of RLAF Board of Trustees, Mr Hj
Abdul Razak Maricar and Chairman of Mercy Relief Board of Directors, Mr Satwant Singh.
3. Chairman of RLAF, Mr Hj Abdul Razak Maricar said: “We would like to express
our deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this worthy cause. We hope
that this will support in alleviating the immediate needs of communities affected by the
earthquake. Over more than a decade, RLAF has been steadfast in its mission and
efforts to radiate care and compassion, regardless of race, religion, be it locally and
overseas. Through the generous contributions and support from the Singapore Muslim
community and beyond, we have been supporting humanitarian relief efforts to make a
positive impact to communities affected by disasters and crises, offering them help and
hope towards brighter days.”
4. The funds will be channeled through Mercy Relief which is working with their
ground partner to deliver aid to affected communities. In the first phase of aid
distribution, more than 2,500 families from Warung Kondang, Cilaku and Cugenang
districts, Cianjur regency, have received relief items including hot meals, water, tent
shelters, hygiene kits, blankets and tarps.
5. Chairman of Mercy Relief, Mr Satwant Singh said: “Mercy Relief is deeply
saddened by the devastation of the Cianjur Earthquake, and we stand in solidarity with
the affected victims. Where many families have lost their homes, our utmost priority is to
meet the urgent need for food and temporary shelters. It will continue to be a
challenging road ahead for the affected communities, and we thank the public for
lending a helping hand through your kind donations.”
6. As part of transparency, accountability and assessment of impact of assistance
as well as enhancing understanding in humanitarian relief work, RLAF will also
collaborate with Mercy Relief to carry out a monitoring visit to the affected communities.
The visit will allow the team to find out the most urgent needs in the community and
direction for future recovery projects.
