778 university volunteers aid Pangkor flood victims

778 volunteers from 18 public universities mobilized to assist flash flood victims on Pangkor Island

By Bazli Razak, UPSI Corporate Communications Division

PANGKOR, Oct 19 — A total of 778 volunteers representing 18 public universities (UAs) nationwide have been deployed to Pangkor Island under the Mega Volunteer Mission @ Pangkor to assist local residents affected by recent flash floods.

Organized through the Malaysian University Volunteer Council (MASKUM), the mission involves 625 tertiary students and 153 staff members tasked with clean-up operations and relief distribution.

Prof. Datuk Dr. Md Amin Md Taff, Chairman of the Council of Vice-Chancellors and Rectors of Public Universities and Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), stated that the contingent distributed 520 aid packages consisting of essential food baskets, mattresses, pillows, and retort meals.

“The spirit of solidarity demonstrated by all public universities today proves that higher education institutions have always remained closely connected to the communities they serve,” Md Amin said. “This Mega Volunteer Mission in Pangkor is a clear manifestation of our commitment to standing together with the public during challenging times.”

Handout photograph showing UPSI Vice-Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. Md Amin Md Taff and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Norkhalid Salimin participating in flood clean-up work on Pangkor Island. — Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) Vice-Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. Md Amin Md Taff (left) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Norkhalid Salimin (center) participate in clean-up operations alongside public university volunteers in a flood-affected neighborhood on Pangkor Island, in this handout photo obtained on October 19, 2026. More than 700 volunteers from 18 public universities deployed to assist local residents following recent flash floods in Perak. (Photo: Handout/Bazli Razak/UPSI Corporate Communications Division via The Malaysia Times)

Rapid heavy downpour triggers flash flooding

The localized flooding was triggered by approximately two hours of continuous heavy rainfall starting at 4:00 AM, causing water levels to rise rapidly across residential areas before gradually receding around 9:00 AM.

To optimize relief efforts, volunteers were divided into teams covering clean-up activities and door-to-door distribution across at least 150 affected residential homes.

Key affected areas included Kampung Masjid (100 homes), Kampung Teluk Kecil (10 homes), Kampung Sungai Pinang Besar (10 homes), Kampung Cina Sungai Pinang (30 homes), and Kampung Cina Pangkor.

Handout photograph showing UPSI Vice-Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. Md Amin Md Taff cleaning the floor of a community hall alongside student volunteers on Pangkor Island. — Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) Vice-Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. Md Amin Md Taff (left) cleans the floor of a community hall alongside student volunteers during post-flood recovery operations on Pangkor Island, in this handout photo obtained on October 19, 2026. Student volunteers from Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP) and 17 other public universities deployed to the island to assist local communities following recent flash floods. (Photo: Handout/Bazli Razak/UPSI Corporate Communications Division via The Malaysia Times)

Systematic mobilization via MASKUM and UPSI ResQ Team

Prof. Dr. Norkhalid Salimin, Chairman of the Council of Deputy Vice-Chancellors and Deputy Rectors (Student Affairs and Alumni) and UPSI Deputy Vice-Chancellor, noted that MASKUM’s coordination framework enabled public universities to respond rapidly.

The operations were further bolstered by UPSI’s specialized ResQ Team, which provided logistical support and disaster relief expertise on the ground.

“Rapid coordination through MASKUM enabled the entire network of public universities to be mobilized systematically within a short period,” Norkhalid explained. “The presence of UPSI’s ResQ Team, backed by specialized disaster clean-up training and logistical resources, played a vital role in facilitating ground rescue and clean-up operations.”

Student representative Muhammad Hassan Sheikh Alrisid Movidin, 21, highlighted that the willingness of students across various institutions to participate reflected their dedication to civic duty. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) volunteer Muhammad Amir Hakimi Mohd Raizol shared that the experience reinforced the importance of community assistance regardless of race or background.

— The Malaysia Times

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