IMPACT - ROTARY CLUB KUALA LUMPUR DIRAJA
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IMPACT
ROTARY CLUB OF KUALA LUMPUR DIRAJA NEWSLETTER
January 2022
Year Of The Tiger
Features:
President's Note What Matters?
Directors' Reports Running
Serve to Change Lives Old Folks Homes
Club Trivia Be Smart
Memory Lane Art Flood
President's Notes
“Your vocation in life is where your greatest joy meets
the world’s greatest needs”
-Frederick Buechner
Salam Rotary and wishing all our readers and their loved
ones a Happy New Year. Let us all pray and hope that we
have a more fruitful 2022.
January marks the Vocational Service month. One of
Rotary’s founding principles was to use your vocation -
whether as a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or any another
profession - and do good in the world and the pandemic
made an impact on all vocations. We have become adept
at adopting new norms, and this has given Rotary a new
lease of life.
The world changed and Rotarians adapted well. Almost
every Rotarian has become an expert of sorts attending
Zoom meetings. Our Rotary world has truly become a
global world, in the past we were connected physically
through our club meetings, fellowships, sister clubs,
district meetings and the global once-a-year meeting.
Today, we are just one click away. Rotarians continued the
community service work despite the challenges. Our
community work and meetings continued, albeit at a
reduced pace due to the movement restrictions imposed.
Where do we go from here? A question often asked but
with no clear answers. Club management, membership,
fellowship, and community service all have been affected,
but we must not let this stop our Rotary credo “Service
Above Self”, we need to strive, innovate, motivate, and
soldier on. Members must dig in deep to ensure that as
we continue to serve, we do not lose our immediate
community, our own members, who may be facing
financial or mental challenges, we must not forget to
retain members. So, do reach out to your fellow members
who have been missing, given them a call, a hello on
WhatsApp, rekindle that spirit and new awakenings will
emerge.
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 2 www.rotarykldiraja.org
President's Notes Last month, as the country was hit by one of the worst flooding in its history, Rotarians from all vocations, rolled up their sleeves, assisted with medical camps, flood relief centres, clean-ups, immediate evacuation and assisted in any way they could. Our club assisted at Kampung Sungai Lui, a community that we have been working with for many years, and were shocked to see the devastation. We assisted the community with food relief, clean-up and are now focusing on helping them rebuild post the flooding. It was amazing to see our fellow Rotarians in knee-deep mud doing cleaning work. This Vocational Service Month is dedicated to all Rotarians, who despite the challenges continued to serve communities, gave their time, money, and spare whatever resources they could! To you, my fellow Rotarians, my deepest gratitude and respect! IMPACT MAGAZINE | 3 www.rotarykldiraja.org
PAGE 13
POPSTARMAG.COM | 2021
PRESIDENT AJIT JOHL
Expanding our Reach through Each
One, Bring One
SERVE TO CHANGE LIVES
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 4 www.rotarykldiraja.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ROTARY CLUB OF KUALA LUMPUR
DIRAJA ROTARY YEAR 2021-22
AJIT JOHL SURINDER SINGH DATO' DR. PRAKASH RAO
PRESIDENT PRESIDENT-ELECT VICE PRESIDENT
TERENCE LIM SURINDER SINGH PRABAGARAN VYTHILINGHAM
HONORARY SECRETARY HONORARY TREASURER IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
JAMES MAK S. EHSAN DR. AMIR IZWAN
CLUB ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY SERVICE VOCATIONAL SERVICE
DATO' ROSHANE ONG YU JIAN HOR KEAN SENG
PUBLIC IMAGE YOUTH SERVICE FELLOWSHIP
PAG HARDEEP SINGH
DR. ALARIC MENON DATUK DAVE TEOH
CHAIRMAN
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
AND RETENTION
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 5 www.rotarykldiraja.org
CLUB TRIVIA Test your club knowledge! Sungei Lui 1) How did Kampung Sungai Lui become a Rotary Community Corps? 2) In all these years how has the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur Di Raja helped the community in Kampung Sungai Lui? IMPACT MAGAZINE | 7 www.rotarykldiraja.org
CLUB TRIVIA Test your club knowledge! Sungai Lui 3) What have been the recent developments in Kampung Sungai Lui? IMPACT MAGAZINE | 8 www.rotarykldiraja.org
INTERNATIONAL
RCKK PEARL
ACQUAINTED
Datuk Dave Teoh
International Service Director
Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl, Sabah (RCKK Pearl)
On 16 December 2021, the Sister Club signing ceremony with Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu
Pearl was held at our newly minted Rotary Training Centre in Petaling Jaya.
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 9 www.rotarykldiraja.org
INTERNATIONAL Signing on behalf our club was President Ajit Johl, and VP Rosie Chong on behalf of RCKK Pearl. This historical event was also witnessed by members from both our clubs via Zoom. It was a significant event in our club’s 93 years history. Being the first sister club signing since the last sister club signing more than 16 years ago. RCKK Pearl is also the first all-women’s club as our sister club. And also, the first sister club from our home country. The charming Pearls were hosted for a post-signing celebration dinner at KGNS Eagle’s Nest Chinese Restaurant RCKK Pearl made a cash donation of RM600 to our club. Thank you RCKK Pearl. We will be looking forward to visit Kota Kinabalu in May for the Pan Borneo Rotary Interclub Meet hosted by RCKK Pearl. IMPACT MAGAZINE | 10 www.rotarykldiraja.org
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 11 www.rotarykldiraja.org
AS
Pride of
Workmanship
Award Update
DR. AMIR IZWAN
Vocational Service Director
January is the Vocational Month that we have been waiting for.
The culmination of the "Pride of Workmanship Award" is coming soon as finally it was
decided to hold a launching ceremony with the Polis Diraja Malaysia. This historic
event was to take take place on 20 January in Bukit Aman.
Unfortunately, due to pandemic restrictions, only a very limited participants were
allowed to attend that day.
However, individual statewide different launches will commence beginning next
month. Dates will be announced soon.
On other updates, another vocational will soon be arranged for the club members. An
announcement will be made in due course.
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 12 www.rotarykldiraja.orgIMPACT MAGAZINE | 13 www.rotarykldiraja.org
PUBLIC IMAGE Year Of The Tiger DATO' ROSHANE IBRAHIM Public Image Director Welcome to the January Issue of IMPACT. In this month's issue we present: A. New Content Highlights General content - What Matters? Running Flood Sharp Old Folks Home B. Website Revamp We are working to implement a members section for the website.. C. Revenue Revenue continues to be stable. Please support the efforts to aid with club capatilization. And please continue to support us as your contributions will help the club. D. Physical Meeting Banner Artwork & Business Cards We are planning to produce these materials shortly and are working with the BOD. Quote: “Celebrate who you are in your deepest heart. Love yourself and the world will love you.” ― Amy Leigh Mercree IMPACT MAGAZINE | 14 www.rotarykldiraja.org
FELLOWSHIP
RCKLD Christmas
Hor Kean Seng
Fellowship Director
The Fellowship committee the 2021 Christmas Fellowship for club members and friends
as one of our December activities. The committee appointed its own sub-committee with
Rotarian Dr Raymond Tan as the Organising Chairman.
The Christmas celebrations started with a Christmas Party at the BRCR (BRDB-Rotary
Children's Residence in Seri Kembangan on Sunday, 19 December 2021. Some 68 children
along with 12 staff were treated to a KFC lunch, and also goodie bags and Christmas
presents were handed out by Santa Claus Rotarian Alaric. Past President Datuk Chan Kam
Fatt gave the opening speech followed by OC Rotarian Dr Raymond, who also gave a short
speech. This was followed with lunch for the children, Christmas songs were also sung by
the children and Santa Alaric helped distribute the goodie bags and Christmas presents
which had been sourced and packed by Rotarian Raymond's spouse Esther Tan. Rotarian
Thomas was the talented and avid photographer of the event. He also very professionally
put up a video clip of the BRCR Christmas celebrations later that evening. Past President
Datuk Chan generously treated the four of us to a sumptuous Chinese lunch at nearby
Seri Kembangan town after the event.
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 15 www.rotarykldiraja.orgFELLOWSHIP The club's Christmas Fellowship lunch was held the week after on Sunday, 26 December at Modesto’s Italian Restaurant in RSGC. The gathering started at 11.30am with registration of the 68 guests which included adults and children. Our very own bubbly and witty Rotarian MC Melvin started the event proper at 12.30 pm with a welcome greeting to all attendees along with his delivery of a few hilarious and cheeky Santa jokes. Rotarian Thomas then said a short solemn prayer for the recent flood victims and also a prayer for a Blessed Christmas. OC Dr Raymond then gave a welcome speech followed by RCKLDR President Ajit. Lunch was then served, which included a delicious Western varied buffet spread with Roast Lamb and cakes baked by Rotarian Dina, daughter of Rotarian Ir. Ahmed. The BRCR Christmas celebrations video was then shown followed by the karaoke session, which was started off by a beautiful rendition of Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling In Love With You by our very own PDG Dato' Jimmy Lim. He was also kind enough to donate 3 Christmas Hampers which were given out to winners of Best Karaoke Singers to Dina, Tara and Best Dressed Female to President Cordelia and Best Dressed Male to Rotarian Peter Bilitish. IMPACT MAGAZINE | 16 www.rotarykldiraja.org
FELLOWSHIP
Rotarian Alaric then repeated his perfectly cast role as
Santa Claus and distributed Secret Santa Gift
exchange presents to adults and children attendees
at the lunch. The event was closed by OC Dr
Raymond's speech bidding all a wonderful blessed
Christmas and New Year ahead!
The fellowship and karaoke singing carried on well
into the afternoon.
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 17 www.rotarykldiraja.orgFELLOWSHIP
The function produced a net surplus of MYR 2,771.70 and this was donated to the Flood
Relief Fund.
I would like to thank the long list of contributors and sponsors of this event and also the
multi-religious and multiracial team that worked hard together to help make this event
happen and a success.
Our next Fellowship event will be our CNY Roaring Nite, schedule for 12 February 2022 at
Ballroom 1 Tropicana Golf and Country Club.
We hope all members will stay safe and healthy in a new Happy 2022.
SCHEDULE
PHYSICAL EVENT WISH LIST
11/2/2022 24/4/2022
Chinese New Year Fellowship Buka Puasa Fellowship
Rtn Sylvester Fan as OC Rtns Melvin and Kean Seng as Joint OC
25/3/2022 27/5/2022
Fellowship Golf and Fundraising Hari Raya Fellowship
Rtns Kean Seng and Abe as Joint OC Rtn Adi as OC
24/6/2022
BOD Farewell Fellowship
Rtns Steve Lau and Joe as Joint OC
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 18 www.rotarykldiraja.orgMEMORY LANE ART Test your memory Can you name the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur DiRaja members in this picture? Do you remember the event where it was taken? Hint: Answers location: Where do you find the Object of Rotary in IMPACT? IMPACT MAGAZINE | 20 www.rotarykldiraja.org
SERVE TO CHANGE LIVES PE SURINDER SINGH IMPACT: When did you join Rotary? How old were you at the time? SS: I joined Rotary in 2017. The reason I joined was to look for a multiracial and multi-faith avenue of service. I was happy to meet the quality and character of the gentlemen in this club. IMPACT: What does Rotary mean to you? SS: Service to mankind. It’s a chance for me to give back after I have received very many blessings myself. IMPACT: Why did you choose the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur DiRaja and who invited you to our club? SS: I wanted to form a large network of friends so joining a small club was not for me. I was introduced by President Ajit whom I’ve known since university days. IMPACT: What is the memory and impression you had during your first club meeting? SS: I saw them standing and singing not only Negaraku but also what I thought was a dorky club song! IMPACT: Can you provide any advice to someone taking up his first Board position / joining his first committee? SS: I am delighted that I was placed in the Youth Service Committee and just a year later I became Youth Service Director. I would ask every new member to actively participate in a committee because that’s where the real action is, not in weekly meetings. IMPACT MAGAZINE | 21 www.rotarykldiraja.org
SERVE TO CHANGE LIVES
IMPACT: How has Rotary affected your life and shaped you as a person?
SS: It's made me more aware of how lucky many of us are compared to our other fellow
Malaysians, many of whom are having a very tough time economically and also
psychologically.
IMPACT: Could you highlight to us some of the historical moments in Rotary that you
have witnessed?
DAC: Having our patron the Sultan of Selangor attend our Installation was a special moment.
IMPACT: Which of Rotary Club of Kuala
Lumpur DiRaja’s numerous projects is your
favorite one? Could you give us some details
of this project and its social impact?
SS: My favorite is the 3 High project, when I was
on the board and actively involved in the project
as well. I remember that many people were
having their blood tested after a very long time
and in some cases, I believe we intervened in
time to save their lives.
IMPACT: What are the challenges you
faced being a Rotarian?
SS: Time and choosing a project where you
can make the biggest difference is always
challenging. There is simply too much to do,
so one has to choose wisely.
IMPACT: What advice would you give the
new Rotarians of our club? Or people
who are considering being a Rotarian?
SS: I would say just start by being active in
only one committee and don’t try to do too
much all at once. Also, get your family
involved in service projects. They will love it
and this will give you the energy to progress.
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 22 www.rotarykldiraja.orgCLUB TRIVIA Answers Sungai Lui 1) How did Kampung Sungai Lui become a Rotary Community Corps? The plan had been in existence for some time since one of the most senior PDGs, the late Tan Sri Jamil Rais, who was the Menteri Besar of Selangor, was born in Hulu Langat. Tan Sri Jamil Rais created a library for the rural folk in Selangor and the focus had been on Hulu Langat. PDG Tan Sri Jamil Rais’ daughter-in-law, Puan Zahara Hashim, had a rather large estate near Sungai Lui where children from the area up to the age of teenager came to study the English Language under her guidance. Our club continued its long association with the family of PDG Tan Sri Jamil Rais after his demise and felt a need to uplift the welfare of the community. For a start, our club established the Rotary Community Corps (RCC) Sungai Lui. Years later the Rotary Resource Centre was built where members of the community meet once a month to discuss the communal needs and think develop ideas to improve the quality of their life. Village life at Kampung Sungai Lui is rural but within easy reach from the city centre of Kuala Lumpur. A song too has been created by the Malay composer Aizat Amdan which describes how the orang asli and Malay communities live side by side in the scenic beauty of the area. IMPACT MAGAZINE | 24 www.rotarykldiraja.org
CLUB TRIVIA Answers Sungai Lui 2) In all these years how has our club helped the community in Kampung Sungai Lui? During the presidency of Jeff Keow Hock Sneah (2002-03) the RCC Kampung Sungai Lui received its charter from RI Charter and 7 sets of personal computers were donated. The RCC was established through the efforts of then Community Service Directors Mohd. Lokman Tun Sardon, PP Dato’ Kunhi Mohamed, PP Mohd. Nor Halim, PAG Hardeep Singh and PP Francis Chan. The RCC took shape during the presidency of David Teh (2006-07) with various facilities provided for the students including study and reading material and toys. The Rotary Community Centre is adorned with pictures depicting our club's involvement and interaction with the residents of of RCC Kampung Sungai Lui. The club club took great effort in establishing an English Language Programme for the students at Sungai Lui and also carried out a medical camp, which included free eye screening, and general medical check-ups. During presidencies of Francis Chan (2008-09) and Andy Khoo (2011-12) 2012) an English Carnival was held at SK Sungai Lui. The presidency of the late Mohd. Nor Halim (2014-15) saw an MOU for an amount of RM7,000.00 signed with UniRazak (Universiti Tun Abdul Razak) for the REACH (Reflect, Engage and Teach) English proficiency programme. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Tuan P. Kamalanathan, the Deputy Minister of Education. 38 students from UniRazak volunteered to teach 91 registered children aged 4 to 17 every alternate Sunday. The Resource Centre was registered with the National Library and a membership card was handed over personally by the Director General of the National Library. Under the “Education Aid Scholarship” a total of RM 4,000 was given to 20 bright students of SK Sungai Lui. IMPACT MAGAZINE | 25 www.rotarykldiraja.org
CLUB TRIVIA Answers Sungai Lui 3) What have been the recent developments at Sungai Lui? On 16 December 2021 a tropical depression made landfall on the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia bringing torrential downpours throughout the peninsula for 3 days continually. The Hulu Langat District was badly affected by the torrential downpour. Widespread damage and record high precipitation were recorded. The floods were described as a once in a century disaster. Out club was most concerned with the plight of the residents of RCC Kampung Sungai and was quick to respond. To gain access to certain areas kayaks and life jackets had to be purchased. The waters were high as 3 meters, houses were gutted and only the frames, roofs and flooring remained after waters had receded. IMPACT MAGAZINE | 26 www.rotarykldiraja.org
CLUB TRIVIA
Answers
Sungai Lui
Volunteers from our club led by
President Ajit Singh took a whole
Sunday to clean the homes of the
flood victims and donated milk
powder and crates of mineral water
and 100 plus. Mattresses, blankets
and pillows were distributed and
electrical items were donated as
well.
In all, to provide comfort to the friends
of Kampung Sungai Lui after their
calamity, our Rotarians led by
Organising Chairman for the disaster
flood relief PAG Hardeep Singh took
time off to visit the community twice or
thrice.
The club raised nearly RM 30,000
towards the Rotary District 3300 Relief
Fund.
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 27 www.rotarykldiraja.orgRUNNING MATTERS
RUNNING MAN
by Aiman Fakhrullah
“All you need is a pair of shoes and a
heart to run”.
Running is a relatively simple sport. You
don’t need fancy equipment and there are
no high costs to do it.
It’s a sport that attracts people of
different age groups as well. Go to any
housing area across the country and you’ll
definitely see individuals or groups pacing
the streets. It’s pleasing to the eyes,
especially when we strive to be a
healthier nation.
The benefits of running is a long list. From
expanding the lifespan to losing and
(maintaining) weight, to improving
cognitive function and many more. There
are published studies and papers to proof
the differences of people who actively run
and those who don’t.
Even though it’s a simple sport, one
should pay attention to the dos and don’ts
when it comes to running. The dos range
from doing proper stretching before and
after, choosing the right shoes and to
hydrate well while the things one should
not do are mostly for the benefits of
healthier knees and ankles.
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 28 www.rotarykldiraja.orgRUNNING MATTERS
Running is gaining popularity, thanks to
the big brands and individuals who
advocate this sport. There are running
clubs available for one to participate in
offline and online through applications
like Nike Run Club or Strava. This
definitely encourages a person’s
determination to achieve his or her
personal best.
Although speed (runners call it pace) is
an indication whether one is a good
runner or otherwise, the ultimate goal is
to get your body moving. Most of us are
not running for the Olympics, and the
person we should compete with is our
own self. Gadgets like watches and
phones are able to clock your running
activities and this definitely excites
one’s running journey.
There are different types of runs, mainly road runs and trail runs. As the name
indicates, a road run is done on the road and a trail run is in the jungle. Malaysia is
blessed with beautiful trails and mountains. Trail runs require more technical skills and
the reward is often better in terms of the view and scenery.
To get the motivation going and habits in place, there are events for one to participate.
Pre Covid, events were held every weekend in various locations. These events range
from fun runs, charity runs to trail challenge and the list goes on. Now that we are
entering the endemic stage, event organizers are slowly getting back in the game,
applying the SOPs and new norms. Soon enough, you’ll be able to run, cross the line
and put on the finishers’ medal proudly.
Running is a sport enjoyed by many. The rewards of it are yours. So get your shoes on
and begin your steps forward. If you’re hesitating, remember the famous quote by Nike,
“Just do it”.
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 29 www.rotarykldiraja.orgSHARP MATTERS
SHARP
by PP Datuk Seri Nelson Kwok
In my last column I shared with you on
starting young by working to gain
experience and knowledge before
venturing into business.
During the working period, you will
discover new learning opportunity and
personal skills improvement. I wish to
share on the skills and value an individual
must possess in order to adopt oneself
into society.
I sum it up in one word - SHARP. This word
plays an important part of my daily and
social life, and it will be helpful for all of
us.
S-
Smile - everyday, everyone of us must
have a smiling expression, as it stimulates
happy expression, feel good mood, yields
positive qi and attracts friends and fellow
staff you work with. With more friends
attracted to your friendly and happy
mood, many ideas can be exchanged.
Your friends will not befriend you if you
always put on a serious and unfriendly
expression.
H
Humble, Honest, Hardworking, Healthy.
Honesty is important for all. Be humble in
our daily life. We must be hardworking
when doing our tasks. Always maintain
good health as a healthy body and mind
can assist us to overcome daily
challenges.
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 30 www.rotarykldiraja.orgSHARP MATTERS
A
Active, Action, Alertness.
Active individual always produce result.
We must be alert of our surrounding and
take action to do so. Do not be a Nato -
no action, talk only!
R
Respect, Responsible, Recognition.
Respect one another regardless of
position, race, colour or religion. Be
responsible for whatever action or
decision is taken.
Acknowledge and recognise personal
achievement.
P
Product Knowledge, Patient, Perseverance, Punctuality, Praise.
Whatever we do, we must study the issue / products. Do research and know the subject
well so that you are able to convince others of your ability.
Be patient with your work as time is needed to acquire it.
You must be punctual at all times, praise one's achievement and perseverance always
The values in SHARP possesed by anyone will assist them to do well in the working /
business career. Do acquire it and practice this daily, you will notice a vast improvement
in your life.
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 31 www.rotarykldiraja.orgFLOOD MATTERS FLOOD by Ir. Sreedaran Raman Flooding is a natural way to discharge occasional large rainfall in the river eco-system. However, with rapid urbanisation, natural floodplains have been sacrificed for socio- economic activities, especially in big cities like Kuala Lumpur. As an example, the population in the Klang Valley (less than 500,000 in 1970s) is more than 3 million today, and to accommodate the need for housing, public facilities, utilities, businesses, recreational parks and others, new land areas have been opened up. As the very name of Klang Valley itself says this place is situated in a natural valley, as such the change from natural landscape to hard surfaces, i.e. pavement and concrete, further reduces the ability of rainwater to infiltrate the soil. The rainwater turns to surface runoff in a shorter time and so, more areas will be flooded at the downstream of the valley. Figure 1: Recent December 2021 Flood Arieal Image (Left : Kuantan ; Right : Taman Sri Muda, Klang A simple illustration below explains how land clearance can affect the quantity of surface runoff or surface flow by nearly 3-fold in a short duration of time. In a natural dense vegetated land, before rain water reaches the ground surface, as much as 10% - 30% of rainwater will be trapped by the branches and leaves of the trees and bushes. This retained water will eventually evaporate into the atmosphere by a process called evapotranspiration. This is why when we walk in the woods, we always feel high humidity level. Next, when the rainwater reaches the ground level, the water will be further trapped by the ground surface vegetations such as grass and dry leaves, and this gives ample time for the water to infiltrate into the ground and increases the interflow and baseflow volume (groundwater flow). Eventually, the remaining rainwater in the range of 10% - 40% only is left on the surface and will be naturally channelled into the nearby waterways. IMPACT MAGAZINE | 32 www.rotarykldiraja.org
FLOOD MATTERS However, when the same area is developed as illustrated in the right figure below, one can see clearly that upon the disappearance of tree canopies and natural vegetation cover the total volume of rainwater retained on the canopy level i.e. leaves and branches reduces. This increases water on the ground surface. Eventually, with more impermeable surfaces introduced on the ground by way of concrete and pavements, the loss of water through natural infiltration process will be drastically reduced as it is illustrated in the reduction of the thickness of interflow and baseflow arrows. Finally, with the natural filtration and infiltration capacity reduced, this causes the surface flow to increase by nearly three-fold and worst, this is achieved within a short duration of time. The higher and rapid peak discharge will result in sudden high flow in the downstream of waterways and causes flooding to occur. Figure 2 : Relationship between Land Clearance Surface Rainwater Flow With the drastic change of weather pattern due to climatic change, the race to reduce carbon emission is becoming a real challenge. The clearance of vegetation to give way to urbanisation process as mentioned above is only making the situation worse. In order to save the environment and also to reduce the volume of surface flow, a more vegetative friendly development needs to be adopted. A small step by converting our house porch and garden to a greener surface rather than an impermeable surface will be a good start. On the community level more approaches to convert concrete and pavement surfaces to green surfaces should be introduced and new technologies related to permeable pavements and concrete need to be adopted to reduce and delay rain water from reaching the waterways fast to avoid it from being choked and causing flooding. To be continued ……Next : Type of floods and causes of floods. IMPACT MAGAZINE | 33 www.rotarykldiraja.org
AGED CARE MATTERS
AGED CARE
by Pardeep Balaram
At a time when there’s significant negative media coverage about Aged Care Centres,
most commonly known as 'Old Folks Homes' where elders are abused, abandoned and
traumatised, it's important to be reminded that the Malaysian Aged Care landscape is
changing for the better.
Parts of the media like to focus on the negatives and imply that they are the general
rule. Sadly, these are the type of news that sell these days.
However, having said that, many Malaysians are receiving quality support and care to
live longer and healthier in the comfort of fully equipped, licensed, assisted living
facilities.
An assisted living facility is often provided for senior citizens who may not have a
serious illness that affects their quality of life. However, they still need some level of
care to help them remain as independent as possible. Assisted living facilities are less
focused on nursing and health care, and more on supporting residents to maintain a
safe environment with a high degree of autonomy.
The question is, when is it the right time to
check into an assisted living centre?
Making the decision to move into an assisted
living centre comes at different times and for
a variety of different reasons, depending on
the person, their care needs, their family and
financial status.
Deciding to move your loved one into a
nursing home or assisted living facility can be
a difficult decision riddled with conflicting
feelings of guilt, relief, anxiety and grief.
However, recognizing the signs it’s time for a
higher level of care is key to the health and
quality of life of your loved one.
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 34 www.rotarykldiraja.orgAGED CARE MATTERS
Let’s face it! Nobody would want to enrol themselves into an assisted living facility
unless there is really a need for it. There are many reasons in Malaysia that influence
caregivers to not send their loved ones to an assisted living facility. Many may feel like
it’s their duty to care for their loved ones in their own home. Caregivers may also be
concerned that a nursing home will not be able to provide the best care for their loved
one and will result in a decline in the person’s happiness and quality of life.
To help with the decision-making process, here are
some vital questions that caregivers need to ask
themselves.
a) Am I facing difficulty in continuing hands-on care
for my loved one?
b) Am I feeling emotionally drained or perpetually
exhausted?
c) Does my loved one need rehabilitation or
specialized care and supervision?
If the answer to all these questions is YES, then these are tell-tale signs that you will
need to start seeking for a potential assisted living centre. On the contrary, the stress
isn’t only on the side of the caregivers. Our loved ones could probably be already
suffering mentally and physically and are holding back from showing it to us just
because they don’t want to add to our stress. This might be some deed of innocence
from them but a serious red flag for us as the caregivers. Here are some red flags to
suggest that it might be time to consider an assisted living centre:
1. Is your loved one loosing weight rapidly and doesn't want to eat much at all?
2. Is your loved one falling often or trying to hide bruises from you?
3. Can your loved one bathe and dress unaided, and do the laundry?
4. Is your loved one remembering to take the proper dosages of medication and the
correct medications?
5. Does your loved one tend to isolate frequent or avoid any social activity?
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 35 www.rotarykldiraja.orgAGED CARE MATTERS Again, if the answer to all the questions above is YES, then it's probably time. Acknowledging and accepting the fact that our loved ones need proper care is one thing, but selecting a proper assisted living facility is another. Here are some tips and invaluable pointers to help select a proper home to transition into. 1. Ensure the facility is a fully licensed facility. You have the right to ask for proof of license. 2. Insist on a tour around the facility. It is important to check on the hygiene of the centre. 3. Observe how happy the other residents are. 4. Are there any activities? 5. What is the staff to resident ratio? 1:3 is good! 6. Make a list of potential nursing homes in your area and visit each one so that you know the difference in standards and protocol. 7. Ask for their visitation policy and check if their COVID19 SOP is in place 8. Are the caregivers experienced? 9. What is their emergency protocol? 10. What does your gut feeling tell you? Remember it is okay to feel sadness, grief and even stress about moving your loved ones into assisted living; keep in mind, it is what is best for their health and happiness, as well as yours that matters. Above all, it's important to age gracefully and with dignity. It’s always important to have a twinkle in your wrinkle and to know that there are always solutions for every problem and sunshine after a storm. IMPACT MAGAZINE | 36 www.rotarykldiraja.org
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PolioPlus is engaging reluctant communities by addressing basic needs by Diana Schoberg Khadim Solangi Goth, a community on the outskirts of Karachi, Pakistan, sits in one of the last remaining polio reservoirs on the planet. More than 40,000 people live in improvised dwellings made of earth or other found materials. For some, a cotton sheet is all that protects them from the hot sun and monsoon rains. “The poorest of the poor are living in this area,” says Asher Ali, the project manager for the Pakistan PolioPlus Committee. Polio is especially resilient in this community, which has been one of the most resistant to eradication efforts; the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has designated Khadim Solangi Goth one of its highest-priority areas. And the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative classifies Gadap Union Council 4, the administrative district that the community is a part of, as “super high risk.” What makes polio thrive in this place? The piles of trash and open sewers are one reason; the poliovirus gets transmitted through contaminated water. But another major factor is the area’s low vaccination rate. In a community whose basic needs aren’t met, residents see the polio vaccine as a low priority. “The refusals are not for the sake of religion but because civic amenities are missing,” says Aziz Memon, chair of the Pakistan PolioPlus Committee. “They ask us, ‘What are you doing here? You come again and again and again to give us polio drops. You never tell us how you’re going to help us with electricity, roads, or clean water.’" Still, the polio eradication program has seen a boost to its credibility in the past couple of years, thanks to the installation of water filtration plants in Karachi and several other areas of the country, including in Khadim Solangi Goth in December 2020 — part of the GPEI’s effort to install a total of 36 such plants in Pakistan. Since 2012, Rotary members have been working to install plants through a variety of channels, including a partnership with Coca-Cola Pakistan, Rotary Foundation global grant projects, PolioPlus Partners grants, and partnerships with Rotary districts or other entities. More construction is in progress or in the planning stages. IMPACT MAGAZINE | 37 www.rotarykldiraja.org
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL “Now that the community has access to clean water, polio workers are giving us feedback that when they are going to homes, the mothers bring their children to be vaccinated. The workers now have easy access to get into the area,” says Ali. Reaching Khadim Solangi Goth had been a challenge because of security concerns. But the polio workers persevered. Rotary members met with elders, women, and other stakeholders in the community to find out what they needed most and how Rotary could help. “Once we gained their confidence, then we moved forward,” Ali says. Safe drinking water was a high priority among Khadim Solangi Goth residents, so Coca- Cola Pakistan and Rotary in Pakistan — whose decade-long partnership has brought clean water to tens of thousands of people in the country — installed a water filtration plant in the community. Rotary members also trained residents to operate and maintain the equipment, and worked with the community to provide education in hygiene and handwashing. “We gradually gained the respect of the people and gained success,” Ali says. IMPACT MAGAZINE | 38 www.rotarykldiraja.org
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
The work ties into the GPEI’s new strategic plan, which launched in June 2021. One of
the objectives is to speed progress toward polio eradication by integrating that work
with efforts to address other community needs — “in other words, not just focusing on
polio alone,” explains Michael K. McGovern, chair of the International Polio-Plus
Committee.
In a report issued the same month, the Independent Monitoring Board, a group of
experts who assess progress toward a polio-free world, highlighted the slow progress
toward improving water and sanitation in parts of Pakistan deemed “super high risk.”
The board called directly on Rotary to help bridge the gap between the polio program
and other programs and funders. “Rotary International is greatly respected as having a
‘can-do’ capability in advancing practical action of this kind,” the report stated.
While the improvement of water and sanitation in these areas helps stop the spread of
polio, the new infrastructure helps build goodwill for the polio program. “It all ties
together,” McGovern says.
Hence the “plus” in PolioPlus, Rotary’s program that provides communities with benefits
beyond vaccination — such as clean water, medical treatments, bed nets, and soap. In
northern Nigeria, for example, Rotary and its partners sponsored more than 30 solar-
powered boreholes, which helped develop trust among the vulnerable residents. The
strategy worked: Nigeria reported its last case of polio in 2016, and the World Health
\
Organization certified the Africa region free of wild polio in 2020.
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 39 www.rotarykldiraja.orgROTARY INTERNATIONAL
In Pakistan, Memon says, Rotary members complement the water projects with health
camps that assist families with other medical needs. “Health camps also send a very
positive signal,” he says. “It shows that our main focus is not polio alone, it’s PolioPlus.”
In Hassan Brohi Goth, another community in the Karachi metropolitan area, many
people make their living by producing bricks in kilns. A smoky haze envelops the area,
exacerbating breathing difficulties among health-challenged residents. The community
lacks medical facilities. Its drinking water comes from a pipeline — which is broken,
making the water unsafe to drink — or from vendors who charge more than many
people can afford.
Rotary members worked with a kiln
owner to provide a site for a water
filtration plant. The plant, installed
as part of a Rotary Foundation
global grant sponsored by the
Rotary clubs of Karachi and
Maysville, North Carolina, went
online in August.
“Through this water filtration plant,
we’ve gained credibility and the
confidence of the people,” Ali says.
“The people know us. It gives me a
lot of happiness. The polio teams,
whether from WHO or the
government, all are welcomed.”
This story originally appeared in the December 2021
issue of Rotary magazine.
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 40 www.rotarykldiraja.orgROTARY MALAYSIA DISTRICT 3300 GOVERNOR'S THOUGHTS “The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others, remain as your legacy”...Kalu The work that we do is meant to live forever, we need to ensure that we make a mark that can’t be erased. What’s your Club’s legacy? What is it that you or your Club want to be remembered by? Your work in Rotary is the greatest legacy that you will leave behind. How many hearts have you touched? Have you created something that will live forever, etched into the minds of others? There are many Clubs that have their signature projects that they do annually and have gradually built it up to become the Club’s legacy. This is an excellent way to carry out projects that are meaningful, impactful and with greater benefits to the beneficiaries. RC Klang’s haemodialysis centre has saved many lives. RC Port Klang’s Charity Food Basket Centre sees 170 hard core poor families every month, waiting their turn in an orderly fashion holding a card, with a cloth bag hung on their shoulder marked with a number that confirms their eligibility for the ration, that sees them getting 20 to 25 items. The centre is built from containers and now have progressed to loaning out essential medical equipment like oxygen concentrators, medical beds and wheelchairs. A very noble project indeed. RC Senawang have their Eye Project that they so passionately carry out. IMPACT MAGAZINE | 41 www.rotarykldiraja.org
ROTARY MALAYSIA DISTRICT 3300 IMPACT MAGAZINE | 42 www.rotarykldiraja.org
ROTARY MALAYSIA DISTRICT 3300
Extracted from the
District Governor's Newsletter January issue 2022
IMPACT MAGAZINE | 43 www.rotarykldiraja.orgROTARY INTERNATIONAL & MEMORY LANE ANSWERS Memory Lane Art Answers: Members: Surinder, DSNK, Yu Jian, Rahim, Roshane, Ajit, Hardeep & Tom Event: RCKLD DEEPAVALI Art Genre: Colorful World IMPACT MAGAZINE | 44 www.rotarykldiraja.org
BIRTHDAYS HAPPY BIRTH DAY HARDEEP SINGH ONG YU JIAN DATO' MOHAMED RIZAL AL-AMIN BIN TUN SARDON DATUK PETER VOGT DATO' SRI AKBAR KHAN HORST WIPPEN SURESH CHELLON IMPACT MAGAZINE | 45 www.rotarykldiraja.org
Editorial Board IMPACT A Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur DiRaja Newsletter
Editor Dato' Roshane Ibrahim
Advisor Contact Us
PP Zed Zariman Zulkifli
Deputy Content Editor Address
Horst Wippern
Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur DiRaja
President's Note & Directors Reports No.568-9-21, 9th Floor, Kompleks Mutiara,
Pres. Ajit Johl Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur
Dr. Amir Izwan
Hor Kean Seng Email
Datuk Dave Teoh
rckldiraja@gmail.com
General Interest
Suren Hendry
PDG Dato' Mustapha Ma
PP Datuk Seri Nelson Kwok Weekly Meetings
Ir. Sreedaran Raman
Pardeep Balaram Wednesday, 12.45pm
Aiman Fakhrullah The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur,
PE Surinder Singh 168 Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
EDM Team
Aiman Fakhrullah
Pradeep Balaram
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