KUALA LUMPUR – A new movement that’s gaining traction calls for Malaysians to reach out for help if they are struggling instead of taking drastic actions.
The #benderaputih movement has taken off on social media, calling those in need of food or essentials to raise a white flag outside their homes, as the country remains in lockdown indefinitely.
By doing so, it indicates the household needs assistance, allowing neighbours to render necessary aid to them.
The campaign has been widely received by netizens, who are offering moral support and assistance to those whose incomes have been affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Let the people around the area help as little as they can. Please do not take actions that break the hearts of loved ones. There is no need to beg or be embarrassed. Just wave the flag,” said Twitter user @HafizolHakami.
As of noon on June 29, his post has been retweeted by more than 15,000 users.
Social media users have described the ‘rakyat self-initiative’ movement as a brilliant initiative to assist those in need, without having them plead and get embarrassed to ask for help.
They also wrote words of support and expressed their willingness to extend help to the needy.
Currently, Malaysia is still in Phase One of Movement Control under the National Recovery Plan (NRP) and has been under total lockdown since June 1, with only essential economic and services sectors were allowed to operate.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the lockdown would be extended until the number of daily infections drops below 4,000.
Discussion about this post